The possible date for the upcoming elections will be determined based on the final report of the reform commission, expected to be submitted in February.
The announcement, made by Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the Chief Adviser, during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday afternoon, comes amid growing demands from political parties to expedite reforms ahead of the elections.
Shafiqul Alam said that the reform commission’s report will be reviewed and discussions will be held with political parties to arrive at a consensus before finalizing the election schedule.
“The election date will be decided after considering the reform commission’s report and discussions with political parties,” he said.
Criticism of Awami League
During the briefing, Shafiqul Alam launched a scathing attack on the Awami League, accusing the party of involvement in the July murders and alleging that the party had shown no remorse for its actions.
“The Awami League was involved in the July murders. Yet they have no remorse. Until they are tried, they will not be allowed to carry out any activities,” he said.
He also dismissed claims made by the party regarding the deaths of 3,000 policemen, calling it a “big fraud” and a “big lie.”
Alam emphasized that the Awami League would not be permitted to hold any protests or programs until it apologizes for its alleged role in the July-August massacre and other actions.
“Until the party apologizes for the July-August massacre and all its deeds, it will not be allowed to hold any protests,” he asserted.
Govt denies targeting journalists
Addressing concerns about cases filed against journalists, Shafiqul Alam insisted that the government has not initiated any legal actions against members of the press.
Instead, he claimed that cases were filed by the families of victims.
“The government has not filed any cases against journalists, but the families of various victims have filed them,” he said.
He criticized Human Rights Watch for what he called “wrong information” in its recent report and said that the government would request a correction.
He also assured that cases against journalists are being resolved swiftly and that no one is being unfairly harassed.
“This government will not make any law that takes away the right of the common man to speak,” he added.
Economic progress, foreign investment
Shafiqul Alam highlighted the government’s economic achievements, noting a significant increase in exports and port activities during its tenure.
He revealed that four major international companies have expressed interest in managing Chittagong and other ports due to the growth in exports.
“The activities of Chittagong Port have increased. Four major companies in the world want to manage Chittagong and other ports,” he said.
He also expressed optimism about foreign direct investment (FDI), saying that the government is addressing issues such as land occupation in the name of Export Processing Zones (EPZs), which had deterred investors under the previous administration.
“The previous government had occupied land in the name of EPZ. So, no one wants to invest. We will solve that problem quickly,” he said.
New accreditation policy
At the same briefing session, Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, deputy press secretary to the Chief Adviser, revealed that the existing accreditation cards for journalists will be reviewed under a new policy.
“Cards will be issued soon according to the new policy. Until then, the existing cards will remain in force,” he said.
Azad explained that the new policy will eliminate the distinction between permanent and temporary cards, with all cards valid for three years.
He also clarified that accreditation cards will not be revoked solely due to criminal cases filed against journalists unless the allegations are proven.
“The accreditation card will not be cancelled just because a criminal case is filed against a journalist; it will be cancelled only if the allegations are proven,” he said.
In a move to support sports development, Azad said that the government will seek foreign assistance to strengthen the women’s football team.
