Staff Reporter:
Referring to the government’s firm stance on elections, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul yesterday said the government, in line with the Chief Adviser’s announcement, is firmly committed to holding the national election next February.
“The government is moving forward with all preparations for the election. The polls will be held in Feb-ruary, and the government’s stance on this remains unwavering,” he said after a meeting at the Cabinet Division.
Commenting that the statements of political parties regarding the timing of the election are part of the political process, Dr Asif Nazrul said the responsibility of holding the election lies with the government, not with any political party. “On behalf of the government, we are saying in unequivocal terms that the election will be completed in February,” he added.
The law adviser further said political parties often make different remarks for different purposes, and that too is part of the political process.
“You have always seen this. Traditionally in Bangladesh, such political statements have been made, and the same is happening now. There has not been any major qualitative change in this discourse. Therefore, whatever is said about the timing of the election should be seen as part of the political process,” he ob-served.
Describing Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus as a “globally respected personality,” Asif Nazrul said there is no question of deviating from the commitment made by him and the election will be held as per the announced schedule.
Dr Asif Nazrul also said that in cases of land acquisition, inflated prices are often shown, while contro-versies frequently arise regarding PDB projects.