Dhaka: Law Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul today expressed the hope that all stakeholders of the July uprising would speed up the process to announce the July Proclamation. BNP has prepared a declaration and, if it is finalized based on the opinions of their alliance partners, they will engage with student leaders, he stated. “However, in this regard, I want to say that our student leaders are showing enough restraint, patience, and tolerance. I hope that all those who are party to the July mass uprising will try to speed up this process a bit,” Asif Nazrul told a press briefing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the press briefing was held at the Foreign Service Academy, highlighting the key recommendations of the six reform commissions. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing. The interim government received the complete reports of the six commissions and made those available online.
The commissions include the Electoral System Reform Commission headed by Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, the Police Administration Reform Commission headed by Sarfaraz Hossain, the Judiciary Reform Commission headed by Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman, Anti-Corruption Reform Commission headed by TIB’s Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Public Administration Reform Commission headed by Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, and Constitution Reform Commission headed by Distinguished Prof. at Illinois State University Dr. Ali Riaz.
Responding to a question on political consensus on reforms, Adviser Nazrul expressed interest in discussing with political parties by mid-February. “I have told you before, even if they agree, the discussions will continue during the holy month of Ramadan,” he added. He emphasized that political parties have the right to demand quick elections but did not specify what they mean by quick.
He mentioned that the Chief Adviser and his Press Secretary have repeatedly clarified to the media that elections could be either by December this year or by June 2026. Asif Nazrul, however, indicated that the election might take place before June 2026, considering the monsoon season. “Maybe in April, maybe in March, this is something we have made clear from the very beginning,” he said.
In response to a question on recent incidents, the adviser reiterated the interim government’s commitment to tolerance, freedom of expression, and democratic practice. On February 6, the Law Adviser announced that the national consensus commission, led by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, will hold its first dialogue with all political parties and forces in favor of the July Uprising over the reform initiatives in mid-February. The Chief Adviser will chair the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy, where heads of the six reform commissions will be present, Asif Nazrul added.