Asif Nazrul and the army chief's election comments do not reflect the government's official position: Religious Affairs Adviser

Religious Affairs Adviser to the interim government, A F M Khalid Hossain, stated yesterday that national elections will be held after completing state reforms to ensure stability in the country. "The election will take place once stability is achieved through reforms. We are not an elected government, and announcing an election now would only lead to confusion and chaos, derailing the path to democracy. However, we are committed to holding elections and transferring power back to the people," he said during a discussion with journalists at Cox's Bazar Circuit House.

Addressing recent comments by Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and the army chief about the election timeline, Khalid clarified, "Those are not official government statements. As Prof Yunus has said, the election will happen when you hear it directly from the government."

On Thursday, Asif Nazrul mentioned that national elections could be scheduled for 2025, following necessary pre-election preparations, such as forming a new Election Commission through a search committee. Khalid rejected speculation that the interim government aimed to cling to power, saying, "There is a misconception that we, the advisers, are attached to power. That is false. We are here only to guide the country through reforms."

Regarding the possibility of sending Hajj pilgrims by sea, Khalid revealed, "The government has made a policy decision on this, and discussions with Saudi Arabia and other stakeholders are ongoing. We aim to send pilgrims by sea starting in 2026." 

Khalid also stressed the interim government's focus on improving law and order, creating a level playing field for political parties, and updating the voter list to ensure fair elections. "Once these objectives are met, we will hold elections with the participation of all political parties," he added.

The event was chaired by Mahbubur Rahman, president of the Cox's Bazar Press Club, with several key figures attending, including Abdul Hamid Jamaddar, Secretary of the Ministry of Religion, and Tashdid Ur Reza, coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement.