Wait, election date to be announced soon: Law Adviser

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said the date for the upcoming national election will be announced shortly, urging everyone to remain patient and wait for the official declaration.

He made the remarks on Thursday (July 31) during a press conference at the Secretariat, addressing reform-related and current national issues.

In response to a question about whether citizens would be able to vote this time—considering many couldn’t in the past three or four elections—he assured, “Absolutely. Everyone will have the opportunity to vote.”

Speaking on the government’s intentions, he said, “We are taking every possible step. Are you talking about voting rights? Back when I taught in the classroom, I used to ask my students—how many of you have actually voted? They would laugh. Some would say, ‘Sir, I voted—maybe 10 or 12 times.’ But 90 percent admitted they never had the chance. Hopefully, that painful reality will now come to an end. We haven’t truly voted in 18 years.”

When asked about the exact date of the election, the adviser replied, “Just wait a few more days—the announcement is coming.”

He was also asked what steps would be taken to ensure the upcoming election gains international credibility, given that while the 2008 caretaker government election is often regarded as fair, subsequent elections have faced scrutiny. In response, Dr. Asif Nazrul said, “I don’t agree with the view that the 2008 election was beyond question. There are valid reasons to scrutinize it. Journalists like you can uncover many startling details about that election.”

“The Election Commission will oversee the electoral process. I can only speak to the government’s intention—which is to hold the most credible and exemplary election in Bangladesh’s history. The Chief Adviser reminds us of this objective repeatedly,” he added.