Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has remarked that an election might be feasible by 2025.
He made the remarks during a discussion on a TV programme hosted by prominent journalist Matiur Rahman Chowdhury on Thursday (17 October).
His statement follows a timeline hint from the Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-uz-Zaman, marking the first time a government adviser directly addressed the election timeframe.
In the discussion, Dr Nazrul also revealed that the controversial Digital Security Act would be repealed.
He clarified that he had never previously stated that any journalists would be tried in the International Crimes Tribunal.
Speaking on the potential trial of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, he referenced the prisoner exchange treaty, asserting that if India honours the agreement, they should return Sheikh Hasina.
He emphasised that should the treaty be properly observed, India would be compelled to return her.
In response to a query about widespread cases being filed, Dr Nazrul explained that during the previous government’s tenure, cases against opposition members were fabricated with police involvement. Now, these large-scale cases are being filed by those who were previously persecuted. The interim government, he assured, is working to ensure that innocent individuals are not unjustly punished in these cases.
Addressing concerns about trials against journalists in the International Crimes Tribunal, he reiterated that no journalist would be tried unless found responsible.
He also mentioned that unless there is overwhelming public demand, the government would not act preemptively in banning Chhatra League. However, the call for its ban has grown stronger, and if public expectations mount, the organisation could be outlawed. The nation has witnessed their actions, which have been widely covered by the media.
Dr Asif Nazrul further noted that a search committee for the Election Commission would be formed in the coming days. He also apologised to the public for the soaring prices of essential goods, stating that the cost of vegetables has risen to the point that sales have decreased. Floods have also led to a reduced supply of eggs. He attributed the previous government’s control of the market to syndicates.
However, he reassured the public that improvements are on the horizon, with progress already being made in several areas. Responding to another question, Dr Asif Nazrul recalled that a judge during the previous government’s tenure had declared himself to be a sworn politician, with others engaging in inappropriate actions.
He highlighted the judiciary’s silence in the face of rampant enforced disappearances, murders, and fraudulent elections. Many judges, he said, played a role in the destruction of the judiciary, while pro-Awami League lawyers attacked the Chief Justice. Those responsible for these acts were later rewarded with promotions by the Awami League. Such actions created an environment where it was permissible to speak out against Sheikh Hasina but not the judiciary. The current disorder in the judicial system, he said, is a consequence of the Awami League's actions.
In response to a question about any mistakes he might have made during his 70 days in office, he admitted that mistakes can happen, as he has limited experience.
However, he assured that he had never intentionally committed any wrongdoing, though there may have been errors in judgement. He also stated that he had never acted out of personal interest.
When asked about the Digital Security Act, Dr Asif Nazrul confirmed that the government is in the process of fully repealing it, noting that the public no longer even wants to hear the name of the law.
Regarding a question about cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, Dr Asif Nazrul remarked that Bangladesh has not seen a player as popular as Shakib.
However, he criticised the timing of Shakib’s social media post, where he appeared to be enjoying himself while the country was in turmoil and people were dying in protests.
Asif Nazrul also spoke about the poor treatment of expatriates at the airport, a long-standing issue.
He shared his vision of providing VIP services for expatriates and announced that a dedicated lounge would be established for them within two to three weeks.
