Dubai, February 13: The interim government's chief advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has said that elections will be held in the country as soon as possible and that it could be held in December this year.
He made these remarks in a discussion with CNN journalist Becky Anderson while participating in the World Government Summit held in Dubai on Thursday (February 13).
Dr. Yunus said, "We are gradually putting everything in order. Reforms are underway in 15 sectors, which include law and order, police, constitutional and election commission reforms. These commissions have prepared reports and made recommendations. Now our main task is to build consensus."
Initiative to negotiate with political parties
The chief advisor said the interim government is holding talks with various political parties to create a "charter" that is mutually agreed upon. The elections will be held based on this charter.
"We will hold the elections by implementing the recommendations that everyone agrees on. We want the elections to be held as soon as possible. If possible, it will be held in December this year," he said.
Elections can be held in December: Dr. Yunus at Dubai Summit
Pledge to rebuild the deteriorating economy and law and order
Dr. Yunus admitted that Bangladesh's economy and administration have gone through a difficult crisis.
“Everything in Bangladesh was destroyed. We are slowly rebuilding everything. Our banking system collapsed, $16 billion was laundered, reserves have gone to the bottom. Our first goal is to restore the economy, secondly to stabilize law and order, and thirdly to restore the functioning of institutions.”
No chance of remaining in leadership after the election
Dr. Yunus also said that he does not want to remain in power after the interim government's term ends.
"I have said before that after handing over power to the elected government, I will return to the work I was doing. That is what I like, that is what I want to do."
Currently, there is extensive discussion in the political arena about the interim government's reform program and the possible election date. The progress of negotiations with political parties and the final electoral outline in the coming days will be important for the future of the country.
