Expected reforms or consensus not reached yet, says JaPa leader Shamim about elections

Expected reforms in the country's relevant sectors have not yet taken place and there has been no consensus reached as of yet, Jatiyo Party leader Shamim Haider Patwary said today (16 December) regarding organising the next parliamentary election.

"I also think the country is facing some risks in terms of independence, sovereignty, the Rohingya crisis, conflict in Myanmar, and relations with neighbouring countries. Overall, I believe the country should be run based on professionalism. The country's policies should be determined by considering the interests of the people," he told The Business Standard after paying tribute to the 1971 martyrs at the National Memorial in Savar on the occasion of Victory Day.

His comments come after Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said the next general election can be held between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026 after accomplishing necessary reforms.

"Broadly speaking, the election date can be set between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026," he said while addressing the nation this morning.

In this regard, former lawmaker Shamim said, "This is a positive aspect regarding the election. A country cannot exist without elections, nor can a society. We need to move forward with an outline for the election.

"Every political party has the desire to participate in elections and political figures have the desire to vote. It is the government's job to encourage this."

He further said the work of an interim government is to guide the country towards elections through reforms, and the election itself will be the biggest reform.

"If all other reforms happen but not election reforms, then it will be quite flawed. I believe the chief adviser's statement is quite acceptable, and I believe we will receive cooperation from them [government]," added Shamim.