Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has announced that elections in Bangladesh will be held only after the political parties forge a consensus on a July Charter.
Speaking to Italy's Rai News during his recent visit to Vatican City, Dr Yunus remarked on the daunting task of restoring democracy after more than fifteen years of authoritarian rule.
"After over fifteen years of continuous dictatorship, organising a democratic election is a profound challenge," Yunus said.
"The elections will take place only after the political parties reach an agreement on the July Charter."
In the wide-ranging interview, Dr Yunus reflected on the July uprising, the alleged misrule of the Awami League, and the future course of reforms and elections.
He accused the Hasina government of orchestrating widespread bloodshed, stating, "The Hasina regime killed nearly fifteen hundred people before fleeing from power." Yunus added that he assumed responsibility for the nation at the call of the students during that turbulent time.
The chief adviser painted a stark picture of the preceding government’s impact on the nation.
"The fascist regime had utterly destroyed society and the economy," he said. "Everything had collapsed. From this wreckage, the interim government has worked to recover and restore Bangladesh to its rightful position."
