London, Nov 21 (V7N) – Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Advisor to the Ministry of Shipping, Labor, and Employment under Bangladesh's interim government, has indicated that the next general elections in Bangladesh may take place in mid-2026 after comprehensive reforms are implemented.

He made this statement during an international conference titled “Discussion on Democratic Collapse and Rebuilding of Bangladesh” at the House of Lords of the British Parliament on Tuesday afternoon (local time).

Addressing the political turmoil of recent months, Dr. Sakhawat Hossain commented on the flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, stating, "If Sheikh Hasina had not fled on August 5, the angry crowd would have torn her to pieces. That would not have been good for the country."

The conference, organized by the human rights group Voice for Bangladesh, was chaired by Alexander Charles Carlyle QC, a senior member of the House of Lords, and moderated by Ataullah Farooq, founder and broadcaster of Voice for Bangladesh.

Discussions at the event focused on the political situation, human rights abuses, and the rebuilding process in Bangladesh post-August 5.

Key Remarks from Panelists:

  • Ataullah Farooq, founder of Voice for Bangladesh, expressed gratitude to UK political figures and human rights advocates for their support over the past 15 years, criticizing the lack of free speech and prevalence of false cases in Bangladesh during that period.
  • Dr. Rupa Haque, a Labor MP, urged the interim government to prioritize maintaining the stability of Bangladesh’s garment export industry.
  • Paul Scully, a former UK minister, called for a proper investigation into human rights violations in Bangladesh and ensured accountability to prevent their recurrence.
  • Lord Hossain pledged UK support for Bangladesh's interim government to assist in implementing reforms and ensuring fair elections.
  • Abbas Faiz, former Amnesty International South Asia head, advocated for banning Bangladesh's Chhatra League, describing it as a terrorist organization.

The conference provided an international platform for discussions on rebuilding democracy in Bangladesh. Panelists unanimously stressed the importance of human rights, accountability, and comprehensive reforms as prerequisites for credible elections.

Dr. Sakhawat Hossain’s announcement marks a significant milestone in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic future, with the interim government receiving notable support from the UK and other international stakeholders.

END/MSS/AJ