Sunday, 03 August, 2025
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday reaffirmed that the upcoming national election will be held on schedule, without even a day’s delay.
“The next five or six days are crucial for the interim government. There won’t be a single day’s delay. We hope the election will be held in a festive and peaceful atmosphere,” he said while speaking at the BSRF Dialogue, organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF), at the Secretariat’s media centre.
Addressing speculation about the election timeline, Shafiqul noted, “Professor Yunus initially suggested early April, but during discussions in London, we agreed that if key reforms were implemented and adequate progress made, the election could be brought forward to February. That position remains unchanged. There will be no delay.”
He expressed optimism about the electoral environment, saying, “We’re committed to ensuring the election is conducted in a highly festive atmosphere. While some level of violence occurs in most elections, our goal is to reduce it to zero.”
Commenting on the ongoing negotiations over the July Charter, he stated, “Whatever form the Charter ultimately takes, it will have no bearing on the election schedule.”
Reflecting on the interim government’s performance over the past year, Shafiqul said, “We inherited a nation in disarray—almost like one struck by an earthquake. Our government has worked to bring the country back on a path of stability and growth. Whether we have succeeded or failed, the people will judge—but I believe we’ve made meaningful progress.”
Highlighting institutional reforms, he pointed to the swift repeal of the controversial Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act. “No other law in Bangladesh’s history institutionalised corruption on such a scale. It bypassed tenders and accountability. We repealed it within 10 days of assuming office, and have continued to make bold policy decisions every day since.”
He also spoke about key reforms in law enforcement and the judiciary. “The police submitted a 21-page report on their reforms. They’ve shifted from a colonial-style crowd control model to aligning with UN standards. In the judiciary, we’ve brought revolutionary changes in judge appointments,” he said.
On economic progress, Shafiqul claimed, “This government has worked across all major sectors—finance, the NBR, Bangladesh Bank. Inflation has come down to nearly 8%, which is no easy feat. We’ve stabilised the dollar-taka exchange rate and bolstered foreign reserves, thanks to strong remittance inflows and sound monetary policy.”
Reforms at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) are beginning to bear fruit, he added, expressing hope for robust foreign investment in the next government’s tenure.
He acknowledged recent gruesome incidents but maintained that the overall law and order situation is improving. “Yes, there have been a few isolated violent crimes that sparked public fear, but the statistics show a positive trend. Police morale is rising,” he noted.
Chief Information Officer Mohammad Nizamul Kabir also spoke at the event, which was presided over by BSRF President Masudul Hoque. BSRF General Secretary Ubaydullah Badol moderated the session.
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Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday reaffirmed that the upcoming national election will be held on schedule, without even a day’s delay.
“The next five or six days are crucial for the interim government. There won’t be a single day’s delay. We hope the election will be held in a festive and peaceful atmosphere,” he said while speaking at the BSRF Dialogue, organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF), at the Secretariat’s media centre.
Addressing speculation about the election timeline, Shafiqul noted, “Professor Yunus initially suggested early April, but during discussions in London, we agreed that if key reforms were implemented and adequate progress made, the election could be brought forward to February. That position remains unchanged. There will be no delay.”
He expressed optimism about the electoral environment, saying, “We’re committed to ensuring the election is conducted in a highly festive atmosphere. While some level of violence occurs in most elections, our goal is to reduce it to zero.”
Commenting on the ongoing negotiations over the July Charter, he stated, “Whatever form the Charter ultimately takes, it will have no bearing on the election schedule.”
Reflecting on the interim government’s performance over the past year, Shafiqul said, “We inherited a nation in disarray—almost like one struck by an earthquake. Our government has worked to bring the country back on a path of stability and growth. Whether we have succeeded or failed, the people will judge—but I believe we’ve made meaningful progress.”
Highlighting institutional reforms, he pointed to the swift repeal of the controversial Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act. “No other law in Bangladesh’s history institutionalised corruption on such a scale. It bypassed tenders and accountability. We repealed it within 10 days of assuming office, and have continued to make bold policy decisions every day since.”
He also spoke about key reforms in law enforcement and the judiciary. “The police submitted a 21-page report on their reforms. They’ve shifted from a colonial-style crowd control model to aligning with UN standards. In the judiciary, we’ve brought revolutionary changes in judge appointments,” he said.
On economic progress, Shafiqul claimed, “This government has worked across all major sectors—finance, the NBR, Bangladesh Bank. Inflation has come down to nearly 8%, which is no easy feat. We’ve stabilised the dollar-taka exchange rate and bolstered foreign reserves, thanks to strong remittance inflows and sound monetary policy.”
Reforms at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) are beginning to bear fruit, he added, expressing hope for robust foreign investment in the next government’s tenure.
He acknowledged recent gruesome incidents but maintained that the overall law and order situation is improving. “Yes, there have been a few isolated violent crimes that sparked public fear, but the statistics show a positive trend. Police morale is rising,” he noted.
Chief Information Officer Mohammad Nizamul Kabir also spoke at the event, which was presided over by BSRF President Masudul Hoque. BSRF General Secretary Ubaydullah Badol moderated the session.
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