Law adviser clarifies his statement over election time

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul today clarified his statement over timing of the next general election.

He said holding election is a very important ‍‍`policy decision‍‍`. Its timing will be fixed under the leadership of the chief adviser of the interim government. The chief adviser has the sole authority to announce the election time, he added.

Replying to a question from the Dainik Manabzamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury at Channel I ‍‍`Ajaker Patrika‍‍` program on Thursday night, the law adviser said it may be possible to hold the next national election in 2025. He also said he thinks there are many ‍‍`factors‍‍` in it. There, the adviser mentioned that it was his primary assumption.

In a clarification posted on Facebook, Dr Asif Nazrul, said, "In a recent TV discussion, I said that holding elections may be possible within the next year, but there are many factors in this regard. I did not get a chance to fully explain these factors there. But everyone would understand from the statements of our government that the issues of reform and political compromise are mentioned for holding the election. These are the factors." 

Asif Nazrul said, "I also spoke about reforms in the programme. Some other factors I also explained at the programme include formation of a search committee and the election commission, preparation of voter list etc. If these factors are alright, the election may be held next year. I also said that this is my primary assumption."

The law adviser said these conditional assumptions are being shown by some media as announcement of election time. "I say politely that it is not correct," he added.