Shafiqul: Yunus reaffirms June 30 election deadline

Dhaka: Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has reiterated that the general election will not go beyond June 30, which has been welcomed by leaders of various political parties, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told the media on Sunday night.

Shafiqul was briefing journalists on the chief adviser's meeting with several political parties and organizations earlier in the day.

The press secretary said: "The party leaders have expressed their support for Prof Yunus. They fully support the reforms we are carrying out, the judicial work we have started and the election process we have initiated.

“They said they will stand by the interim government and the chief adviser."

According to Shafiqul, Yunus told the parties that he felt encouraged by everyone sitting together.

Shafiqul said: “Many other issues were discussed, including elections and reforms. The chief adviser once again said that the election will be held between December and June.”

The press secretary said that at the meeting, Yunus said that as long as he is in charge, he will not do anything that may harm the country.

"Dr Yunus said that the country is in a major war-like situation. He noted that following the ban on the Awami League’s activities, efforts are being made to create instability. He stressed the need to protect the nation from such attempts. He emphasized the importance of unity and reaching a consensus to avoid division."

Shafiqul Alam continued: “The chief adviser said he will feel guilty if a fair election is not held. He mentioned that the uprising presented him with a significant opportunity, but also expressed concern that a war-like situation has been created both inside and outside the country following the banning of the Awami League and the ongoing turmoil.

“He warned that this unrest is aimed at preventing progress, leading to total collapse, and pushing the nation back into a state of subjugation."