Elections may be held by next year, says Asif Nazrul

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul has predicted that the next national parliamentary polls will be arranged by 2025, following the completion of pre-election preparations, including the formation of a new Election Commission and the updating of the voter list.

“I think, realistically, holding the election could be possible by next year. There are many factors involved. This is merely a preliminary assumption,” he said in response to a question posed by Daily Manabzamin Chief Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury during a Channel i programme titled “Ajker Patrika” on Thursday night.

The adviser also said that a search committee would be formed as soon as possible to facilitate the establishment of the new Election Commission, which will then prepare an accurate voters’ list for the election.

“The previous fascist government committed massive anarchy with the voter lists during the 2024 fraudulent elections. Therefore, a proper voter list must be created before voting. Only the Election Commission can order the preparation of this voter list,” he added.

The adviser’s comments on the election schedule followed army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman’s interview with Reuters, in which he indicated that elections could be held within the next 18 months.           

Subsequently, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus mentioned in an interview with Voice of America that an announcement regarding the actual date will be made once the advisory council concludes discussions about the interim government’s term, though a final decision has yet to be reached.

Asif Nazrul also expressed his apology to the public suffering from the rising prices of essential commodities.

“I apologise to you. I feel terrible about this situation. It is intolerable for us. We are working very hard and collaborating closely,” he said when addressing the issue of the excessive prices of daily essentials.

He anticipates an improvement in the situation soon as the impact of the floods decreases and winter approaches. On the topic of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, the law adviser noted that Bangladesh has an extradition treaty with India, and India should return Hasina to Bangladesh if it respects the treaty.

He stated that there would be strong protests from Bangladesh if India attempted to present any provisions suggesting it was not done in “good faith.”

“India is certainly obliged to return Hasina to Bangladesh if it honestly interprets this treaty,” he said.

When asked about the perception that he is the most powerful adviser, Asif Nazrul, who is also the former chairman of Dhaka University’s law department, refuted this notion, stating it is completely erroneous publicity.

He affirmed that he possesses the same level of power as the other advisers in the Council of Advisers. He added that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus holds most of the consultations with student leaders.