Election in Bangladesh by June next year

TOKYO, May 28 (UNB): Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday told former Japanese Prime Minister and Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League President Taro Aso that the country's next national election would be held any time between December and June next year.

"Prof Yunus told Taro Aso that the election will be held between December and June. He has set a six-month timeframe and the election will be conducted within that period," said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Briefing reporters after the meeting between the Chief Adviser and Taro Aso, he also said Professor Yunus would announce a specific date for the national election as soon as all preparations are complete.

Taro Aso, also a former Japanese Foreign Minister and influential lawmaker, met the Chief Adviser at the bilateral meeting room of the Imperial Hotel.

Shafiqul said the election window up to June also served as a roadmap. "Professor Yunus has provided a special cut-off time here. He has also stated unequivocally that he will not remain in power a single day beyond June."

The Press Secretary said the interim government was not remaining idle and was working actively on multiple fronts.

"A fragile economy has been stabilised. We are now undertaking economic, administrative and legal reforms. Work centred on the Election Commission is progressing steadily," he said.

Briefly after returning to the hotel, the Chief Adviser held a meeting with Taro Aso.

BSS adds: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will deliver his address at the inaugural plenary session of the "30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia" today (Thursday).

In his address, he will speak on "Asia's Challenge in a Turbulent World."