Dhaka, Mar 20 (V7N) -Bangladesh’s interim government has vowed to hold elections on schedule, refusing to delay the vote for any demands, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said on Thursday.
Speaking with a delegation from the International Crisis Group led by Dr Comfort Ero, Professor Yunus confirmed that the government has set two possible timelines for the elections.
He assured the group the dates would not change.
Professor Yunus explained that if political parties seek a limited number of reforms prior to elections, then the elections will be held in December.
If a larger reform package is desired, then elections will take place by June next year. “We have no reason to change the election dates,” he added, emphasizing that the upcoming elections will be free and fair.
Regarding the Awami League, Professor Yunus said that the interim government has no plans to ban the party, but individuals within its leadership accused of crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, will be tried in Bangladesh's courts.
He also said the government has not ruled out referring Awami League leaders to the International Criminal Court in The Hague following a UN fact-finding mission that reported potential crimes during the July uprising.
"It is very much on the table," Professor Yunus said.
The chief adviser also shared that the Consensus Building Commission began talks with political parties on Thursday.
He said there are plans to finalize and sign the July Charter, which will guide the government's policies.
The International Crisis Group officials praised the arrest of Rohingya insurgent leader Ataullah this week, calling it a sign of the interim government’s commitment to peace and stability in the refugee camps.
They also emphasized the need for increased engagement with the Arakan Army, which controls much of Rakhine State in Myanmar.
Professor Yunus noted that Dhaka is working to mobilize aid for Rohingya refugees and hopes the upcoming special UN conference on the Rohingya crisis will draw global attention to the issue.
Dr Comfort Ero expressed her group’s support for Bangladesh in countering misinformation targeting the country and its Interim Government.
Professor Yunus concluded by expressing Bangladesh’s desire for strong relations with India, though he lamented that much of the misinformation campaign against Bangladesh has originated from Indian media.
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