Dhaka, Oct 19 (V7N) — Asif Nazrul, Adviser on Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, has clarified his remarks on the potential timing of Bangladesh’s next national election. Speaking in a recent discussion on a private TV channel, he mentioned that elections could take place by 2025, which had sparked speculation. However, he later explained that this was not an official announcement but rather a conditional observation.

Nazrul addressed the matter through a Facebook post titled "An Explanation on Elections" on Saturday morning. He emphasized that key policy decisions like elections are determined under the leadership of the chief adviser to the government, who holds the sole authority to declare election dates.

In his post, Nazrul explained, “During the TV discussion, I said that elections might be possible within the next year, but I didn’t get a chance to elaborate on all the factors influencing this.” He added that election preparations would depend on political reforms and compromises, emphasizing that these considerations will shape the timeline.

He further mentioned that reforms like forming a search committee, establishing the election commission, and updating the voter list are essential prerequisites. "If these are completed properly, elections could be held next year," he suggested, stressing that it was his personal assumption rather than a definitive announcement.

Nazrul criticized some media outlets for presenting his conditional comments as an election declaration. “This is not accurate,” he said. "The timing of elections is a significant policy decision that will be made under the direction of the chief adviser."

This clarification comes amid ongoing public speculation about the next national elections, with political observers awaiting formal decisions from the government.

END/MSS/AJ