Dhaka: Law Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul today expressed hope that all stakeholders involved in the July uprising would expedite the process of announcing the July Proclamation. BNP has prepared a declaration which, once finalized based on the opinions of their alliance partners, will be discussed with student leaders, he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Nazrul emphasized the importance of the student leaders’ restraint, patience, and tolerance regarding the process. He urged all parties involved in the July mass uprising to accelerate the process. “This is a document of our unity. It is not a legal document, but a political one, intended to reaffirm our unity,” he explained during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy.
The press briefing highlighted key recommendations from six reform commissions. Present at the briefing were Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. The interim government has received complete reports from the commissions, which have been made available online.
The commissions include the Electoral System Reform Commission led by Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, the Police Administration Reform Commission headed by Sarfaraz Hossain, the Judiciary Reform Commission led by Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman, the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission headed by TIB’s Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, the Public Administration Reform Commission led by Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, and the Constitution Reform Commission headed by Dr. Ali Riaz from Illinois State University.
Replying to a question on political consensus on reforms, Adviser Nazrul mentioned plans to discuss with political parties by mid-February. He noted that discussions would continue during Ramadan if parties agree. While political parties have expressed the desire for quick elections, they have not specified what “quick” entails.
Chief Adviser and his Press Secretary have clarified to the media that elections could occur by December this year or by June 2026, with the possibility of an earlier date, considering the monsoon season. “Maybe in April, maybe in March, this is something we have made clear from the very beginning,” said Dr. Nazrul.
Addressing questions on recent incidents, the adviser reiterated the interim government’s commitment to tolerance, freedom of expression, and democratic practices. On February 6, Dr. Nazrul mentioned that the national consensus commission, led by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, will begin dialogues with all political parties supporting the July Uprising’s reform initiatives by mid-February. The Chief Adviser will chair the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy, with heads of the six reform commissions in attendance.