The Head of Interim Government of Bangladesh Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said that the timing of holding a general election is a matter of political decision and people of Bangladesh will decide how long this interim govern will remain in power. He made the comment in a televised address to the nation on Bangladesh Television (BTV).

He said that a free, fair and participatory election will be held in the country after necessary reforms to administration, judiciary, the Election Commission (EC), electoral system and law-order sector.

“The Election Commission would be reformed to prepare it for holding an ideal election at any time”, Prof. Yunus added.
He said that the main aim of the election was to introduce an accountable political system against corruption, looting and mass killing.

Speaking on Foreign Affairs, he said, “We will maintain friendly relations with all countries. Mutual trust, believes and cooperation will be the base of our foreign policy”. He added,”We are respectful to all international laws, including human rights one”, reports Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

About national solidarity, Prof. Yunus said the interim government believes in national unity aimed at bringing reforms. It will be ensured through political unity that women, children, disabled and religious minorities and indigenous people all are the citizens of the country and entitled to get equal protection as per the law, reports BSS.

Earlier on Sunday morning, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir asked for a clear roadmap from the interim government for conducting national elections as soon as possible, after necessary reforms through consultations with political parties.

By Navalsang Parmar (Dhaka)