National election date to be announced within few days, says Adviser Asif Nazrul

The date for the upcoming national election will be announced within the next few days, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Asif Nazrul said today (31 July).

"Just wait a bit. You'll hear the date very soon," he made the remark during a press conference on reforms and current affairs held at the Secretariat.

Earlier in the day, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said, "We haven't heard anything about an election-related announcement coming in 4-5 days."

Regarding the election date, the press secretary added, "The chief adviser initially mentioned early April. Then, in London, we said that if several reforms are implemented and things move forward, the election would be held in February. We are still holding that position. There will not be even a day's delay."

Last week, head of the 12-party alliance Mostafa Jamal Haider quoted the chief adviser as saying that the election date and process will be announced within the next four to five days.

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Speaking to reporters today, Adviser Asif emphasised that the Election Commission will oversee the election process. "Our goal is to deliver the best election in Bangladesh's history, that's what the chief adviser always tells us," he said.

When asked whether people will be able to cast their votes this time, given that many were unable to in the last three or four elections, the adviser replied, "Of course. Everyone will be able to vote."

In response to a question about the credibility of past elections and the upcoming one, Asif Nazrul said, "You [journalists] mentioned there are no questions about the 2008 election — I have to respectfully disagree.

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"There is, in fact, room to question that election. Those of you in the media, if you investigate, you'll uncover some very disturbing facts about what happened in 2008."