Law Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has firmly stated that the upcoming national election will not be delayed beyond June 2026, reaffirming it as a clear commitment from Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to the nation.
Following a nearly two-hour meeting between the BNP delegation and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday at Jamuna, Dr. Nazrul briefed reporters, saying, “We have categorically informed BNP that the election will not go beyond June 2026 under any circumstances. This is a public pledge from the Chief Adviser, which he has reiterated multiple times.”
Dr. Nazrul noted that BNP responded positively to the proposal of forming a Consensus Commission, expressing willingness to engage in talks with the commission within the next few days. “They have shown serious intent regarding reforms and assured us that the July Charter will be finalized soon,” he added.
However, differing views emerged regarding the election timeline. “BNP prefers elections by December, whereas we clarified that the December-to-June window is not an excuse to delay. Elections will be held as early as possible within this period—December, January, or whichever is feasible first,” Dr. Nazrul emphasized.
He also urged BNP not to be misled by individual remarks from other institutions, reaffirming that the Chief Adviser’s public statements remain the definitive position of the government.
Addressing BNP’s concerns about delays despite reform progress, Dr. Nazrul explained, “Even if the July Charter is ready, there are legal and procedural matters to consider. For example, drafting the Digital Security Law took 23 revisions and multiple stakeholder consultations. That process cannot be rushed.”
He further stated that the government acknowledges the people’s call for justice, referencing the thousands who lost lives or were injured. “Justice, reforms, and the election are all intertwined. The June timeline has been set considering these critical national needs,” he concluded.
LND/BG
