Dhaka
An advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government on Saturday has indicated that the next general election is likely to occur in 2025. Asif Nazrul, the advisor in charge of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, stated that while elections could potentially be held within the next year, several factors need to be addressed first. These include political reforms, the formation of a search committee and election commission, and the preparation of a voter list.
Nazrul emphasized that the timing of the election would ultimately be determined by the chief advisor to the interim government, who has the authority to declare the election date. He noted, ‘Elections are very important policy decisions.’
Bangladesh is currently in a politically volatile situation following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5 amid widespread protests. Hasina has since fled to India, and protests demanding the end of a government job quota system have escalated into a broader anti-government movement. This turmoil has resulted in significant violence, with reports indicating over 600 fatalities, including targeted attacks on minorities.
On August 8, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the head of the interim government, which has expanded military powers to maintain internal security during this turbulent period.
