Sole authority to announce polls date rests with CA: Asif Nazrul

The national election may be held by next year - this has been reported by various media outlets. These reports emerged following comments made by Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul during a talk show on a private television channel. However, the adviser claimed that the information published in the news is not entirely accurate.

He clarified, "What I said was just a preliminary assumption. However, the sole authority to announce the election date rests with the Chief Advisor."

He made this claim in a post on his verified Facebook page at around 12:15 pm on Saturday.

In the post, titled "an explanation about the election," Dr. Asif Nazrul wrote, "In a recent TV discussion, I mentioned that an election might be possible by next year. However, there are several factors involved. I didn't have the opportunity to explain these factors fully during the discussion. But from the statements of our government, everyone will understand that reforms and political consensus are being discussed for the election. These are the key factors."

He further wrote, "I also mentioned reforms during the show. Additionally, I explained other factors such as the formation of the search committee and the Election Commission, the preparation of the voter list, etc. If these factors align, an election might be possible next year. But I stated that this is just my preliminary assumption."

Commenting on how some media outlets are portraying this conditional assumption as an election announcement, the law adviser wrote, "With all due respect, this is not accurate. The election is a very important policy decision. Its timing will be determined under the leadership of the Chief Advisor of the government. He alone has the authority to make such an announcement."