United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday told former Japanese Prime Minister and Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League President Taro Aso that the country’s next national election will be held any time between December and June next year. “Prof Yunus told Taro Aso that the election will be held between December and June. He has set a six-month time frame and the election will be conducted within that period,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Briefing reporters after the meeting between the Chief Adviser and Taro Aso, he also said Professor Yunus will announce a specific date for the national election as soon as all preparations are complete. Taro Aso, also a former Japanese Foreign Minister and influential lawmaker, met the Chief Adviser at the bilateral meeting room of the Imperial Hotel. Shafiqul said the election window up to June also serves as a roadmap. “Professor Yunus has provided a special cut-off time here. He has also stated unequivocally that he will not remain in power a single day beyond June.” The Press Secretary said the interim government is not remaining idle and is working actively on multiple fronts. “A fragile economy has been stabilised. We are now undertaking economic, administrative and legal reforms. Work centred on the Election Commission is progressing steadily,” he said. Regarding political reforms, he said Prof Ali Riaz, Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, has already outlined areas where political parties agree and where they diverge. Stating that the Commission will begin its second round of discussions in early June, the Press Secretary said the government hopes political parties will quickly reach a consensus on reforms. “Then, reform efforts will be accelerated by July.” He said Professor Yunus is moving forward with three specific agendas—reform, trial (of fascist elements), and election. “He will announce a specific date for the elections once everything is ready. In response to a question, Shafiqul said the interim government feels neither instability in its governance nor any crisis with political parties. Ways needed to overcome hurdles for stronger ties with Pakistan: Chief Adviser “We do not perceive any political instability or governmental uncertainty. The discussions we have held with political parties are part of an ongoing dialogue. Since they are key stakeholders, we have engaged with them, and all parties have expressed confidence in Prof Yunus’ leadership,” he observed. Earlier, the Chief Adviser, Prof Yunus, arrived in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, on Wednesday afternoon to attend the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Briefly after returning to the hotel, the Chief Adviser held a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso. With this meeting, Prof Yunus began his Tokyo tour. Shafiqul said the Chief Adviser informed the Japanese leader about the progress of the reform initiatives undertaken by his government. He said Taro Aso apprised the Chief Adviser that he is aware of the outstanding changeover and the latest developments in Bangladesh. The Press Secretary said the interim government is making efforts to build an economic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan, and during the meeting, Taro Aso stressed the importance of making it happen as early as possible. He said the Japanese leader stated that they want to deepen their relations with Bangladesh in every aspect, from defence and other security areas to economic cooperation and bilateral friendship. Shafiqul said the Chief Adviser stated that the interim government has undertaken three major reforms in the economic sector, reviving the banking sector, bringing stability to the foreign exchange reserve and market and repaying dues in the energy and other sectors. With these three areas addressed, he said the Chief Adviser believes Bangladesh's economy is now in a much better shape and that the future looks promising. Referring to the long-pending Rohingya crisis, Prof Yunus told the former Japanese Prime Minister that an angry young Rohingya generation is growing up in Bangladesh’s various camps. “We have to give them hope so that they can return to their motherland and contribute to its development.” BNP delegation to meet Chief Adviser on April 16 He sought Japan’s support for the dignified return of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their place of origin in Rakhine. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Lutfey Siddiqi and Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed were, among others, present at the meeting.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said he would feel guilty if a fair election cannot be arranged, stressing that they are now going through a war-like situation. After the ban on Awami League activities, Prof Yunus said, they (conspirators) are trying to destabilise the country in every way they can. "We have to protect ourselves from this....I got the courage as we all sat together. I would feel guilty if we can't hold a fair election," Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted the Chief Adviser as conveying to the political leaders during two separate meetings.  Prof Yunus said all efforts are underway to destabilise the country after the ban imposed on the activities of Bangladesh Awami League, Alam said while briefing reporters in front of state guesthouse Jamuna on Sunday night.  Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present.  "They (conspirators) are not able to accept anything. We have to be rescued from division. There has to be a consensus. As a self-respecting nation, whatever we have been able to stand, let it go forward," Prof Yunus said. After the meeting, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, said the Chief Adviser told them that the country is in a big crisis due to Indian hegemony.  "For this, the Chief Adviser believes that the entire nation needs to remain united," Manna said. "He (Prof Yunus) started the discussion by saying that we are in a very big crisis. He talked about the conspiracy of Indian hegemony while referring to this crisis. Indian hegemony does not want to accept this change (here) at all. If they can, they want to destroy us in one day, and they are doing whatever they need to do for that. These were his words," Manna said quoting the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus, according to Press Secretary Alam, said they have got a great opportunity to pull the country that was destroyed and with the banning of the Awami League's activities, another war-like situation has been created inside and outside the country so that the country cannot move forward, everything collapses and the country returns to slavery again.  "The Chief Adviser also said that the intention of those who are conspiring is that we should return to slavery," said the Press Secretary.  Quoting the Chief Adviser, Press Secretary Alam also said Prof Yunus assured the political leaders that he would not allow anything that can harm the country’s interest as long as he is in this position.   Highlighting the importance of political consensus, the Chief Adviser said they must come out from division.  He said the political leaders extended full support to the Chief Adviser and assured him of standing beside him. Responding to a question on election roadmap, Alam said the Chief Adviser reiterated that he will not go beyond June 30 next year. "You need to trust him." Earlier, a group of political leaders, including Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed and Mahmudur Rahman Manna met the Chief Adviser and discussed pressing national issues, including the upcoming national election and political reforms. The meeting was held at the state guesthouse Jamuna, the official residence of the Chief Adviser, where political leaders Mujahidul Islam Selim, Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki and AB party chief Mujibur Rahman Manju, among others, joined it.  Three advisers, including, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan were also present. In the second phase, Maulana Sadiqur Rahman, Maulana Rezaul Karim, Maulana Mamunul Haque, Maulana Ahmed Abdul Quader, Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi, Maulana Manjurul Islam Affendi, Nurul Haque Noor, Maulana Musa Bin Izhar and Mufti Maulana Shakhawat Hossain Razi held talks with the Chief Adviser. On Saturday, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party leaders met Prof Yunus separately. Prof Yunus on Saturday reiterated his position on the next election, stressing that the government will not go beyond June next year. "Prof Yunus is a man of his word. He gave a cut-off time. He won't go beyond that," Alam told the reporters, referring to the next national election that is likely to be held between December 2025 to June 2026. Alam also said the Chief Adviser conveyed the same to BNP when its leaders met the Chief Adviser at his residence. The Chief Adviser repeatedly mentioned this December to June 30 next year and stressed that he keeps his words. When pressed further, Alam said June 30 is a specific date, and the Chief Adviser will not go beyond that. Alam said the political leaders expressed their confidence in his (CA) leadership and all the three meetings were held in a friendly environment on Saturday. The interim government on Saturday said it will take the necessary decisions together with the people of the country if the government’s “autonomy, reform efforts, justice process, fair election plan, and normal operations” are obstructed to the point of making its duties unmanageable. “If - under the instigation of defeated forces or as part of a foreign conspiracy - the performance of these responsibilities becomes impossible, the government will present all reasons to the public and then take the necessary steps with the people,” said the Council of Advisers in a statement after its unscheduled meeting. Despite all obstacles, the Council of Advisers said, the interim government continues to fulfill its responsibilities by putting national interests above group interests. “The interim government upholds the public expectations of the July Uprising,” said the Council of Advisers.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday said the people of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting for the national election to be held by December this year. “People are ready to cast their votes, and they are not fools. The people of Bangladesh are aware of what’s happening. They’re eagerly waiting for the election to be held by December this year,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with Bam Gonotantrik Oikya at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. The BNP leader said an election is the only way to restore democratic order by establishing a democratic government through ensuring people's voting rights. He said a political party must come to power through elections. “Those who believe in democracy think there will be an election, and through this, they will come to power. I don't see any reason why it's difficult to understand.” BNP committed to restoring democracy, voting rights at any cost: Tarique Responding to a recent comment by a political party that BNP is pushing for a quick election to return to power, Khosru said, "It is through elections that political parties come to power. This is the essence of democracy." He also alleged that an anti-democratic force is currently active in the country. "We are witnessing efforts to suppress democracy. But people are closely observing everything," he added. Replying to a question about the completion of reforms before the election, the BNP leader said reform is an ongoing process and will continue even after the election. He said there has been a consensus among political parties on several key reform proposals, which should be made public. Rizvi slams fallen fascist forces for exploiting crisis with illicit wealth "What is the problem in announcing the election schedule based on this consensus? Even the Chief Adviser has said reforms will be implemented through a consensus. Then why are the recommendations submitted to the Reform Commission not being disclosed?" he questioned. Bam Gonotantrik Oikya coordinator Abul Kalam Azad said democratic rights must not be stifled under the pretext of reform. "Since 2008, the people of Bangladesh have been deprived of their voting rights. Why should people be deprived of the right to vote even in a fascist-free Bangladesh?” He said it is feasible to hold a national election by December to restore democracy and the rights of the people. Fakhrul calls for unity to restore democracy Later, Khosru, along with BNP Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu, also held a meeting with a delegation of Jano Odhikar Party as part of a series of meetings with the party’s alliance partners to seek their opinion on the national election. The BNP began discussions with its alliance partners on April 17, also to work out its next course of action.

Former US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Karl F. Inderfurth today (October 08, 2023) said the international community plays an important role in supporting Bangladesh as it prepares for the elections. “We are here to listen to a variety of actors and show our support for a transparent and inclusive electoral process,” he said as a joint NDI-IRI mission began assessing the status of election preparations. The team is scheduled to have a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 2:30pm today. The joint International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) pre-election assessment mission arrived in Bangladesh to follow electoral preparations and conduct an independent and impartial assessment. From October 8 to 12, the six-member delegation will meet with a diverse group of election stakeholders including government officials, political party leaders, election authorities, civil society, and others. Read: IRI-NDI pre-election assessment mission due to arrive Saturday The delegation is co-chaired by Inderfurth and Bonnie Glick, former Deputy USAID Administrator; and includes Maria Chin Abdullah, former Member of the House of Representatives, Malaysia; Jamil Jaffer, former Associate Counsel to the President of the United States; Manpreet Singh Anand, NDI Regional Director for Asia-Pacific; and Johanna Kao, IRI Senior Director, Asia-Pacific Division. “This joint pre-election assessment mission demonstrates our interest and support for democracy in Bangladesh,” said Bonnie Glick. “We look forward to meeting with key stakeholders and to provide independent, impartial, and timely analysis as the country heads to the polls,” Glick added. The delegation will conduct its assessment in accordance with the laws of Bangladesh and consistent with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation which was signed in 2005 at the United Nations. Read: Uzra Zeya reiterates USA’s desire to see free, fair election in Bangladesh Following the conclusion of its activities, the delegation will release a statement of its key findings, analysis of the pre-election environment, and practical recommendations to enhance the credibility of the process and citizen confidence in the elections. NDI and IRI are nonpartisan, nongovernmental organizations that support and strengthen democratic institutions and practices worldwide. The Institutes have collectively observed more than 200 elections in more than 50 countries over the last 30 years. Read more: Australia’s Greens party MPs want free, fair elections in Bangladesh