Only CA can announce polls timing: law adviser

Two days after discussing the possibility of the next election taking place in 2025, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul clarified today that only the chief adviser of the interim government has the authority to make such an announcement. "The timing of an election is a significant policy decision, and it will be determined under the chief adviser's leadership. Only he has the authority to make such an announcement," Nazrul stated on his verified Facebook page. His clarification followed remarks by Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain, who said that no such issue was discussed during Thursday's advisory council meeting.

Khalid, speaking at a press briefing in Cox's Bazar, said, "The election will be held when the government decides." Nazrul, during a Channel I program titled "Ajker Patrika" on Thursday, had suggested that the next national election could be arranged by 2025, after completing pre-election preparations, including forming a new Election Commission through a search committee.

"I think realistically, the election could be held by next year," Nazrul said, noting that a search committee would soon be formed to assist in establishing the new Election Commission, which would then prepare an accurate voter list, enabling the election. His remarks come as political parties, including the BNP, are calling for a clear timeline for the 13th general elections.

When asked about Nazrul's statement, Khalid clarified that no discussion on the election timeline took place in Thursday's cabinet meeting. Nazrul later issued a clarification on his Facebook page, explaining the factors that could influence the timing of the next election.

"There is a possibility of holding the election in 2025, but various factors are involved," he said. He explained that he didn't have the chance to fully elaborate on these factors during the program but indicated that reforms and political consensus are necessary prerequisites for the election. He also highlighted the need for a search committee, a reformed Election Commission, and a prepared voter list as critical components.

Nazrul stressed that his comments were merely an initial assessment and expressed concern that some media outlets had reported his conditional speculation as an official election announcement, which he clarified was not the case.