When Will There Be Free and Fair Elections in Bangladesh? Top Official of the Interim Government Answers

A top official of Bangladesh's interim government has said that the current situation in the country is almost normal, but some challenges still exist. He said that free and fair elections will be held after bringing about deep reforms in the violence-hit country. Press Secretary of the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government Shafiqul Alam made this comment while talking to the media at the Foreign Service Academy here.

When Alam was asked what is the current situation in Bangladesh and is it becoming normal? In response to this, he said, "Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus is telling foreign journalists that 'you visit all places like rural areas or cities outside Dhaka or industrial areas, you see the situation yourself and decide whether it is normal or not.'

The press secretary said, "We believe that the situation is normal, there are some challenges." He said that all police stations have reopened and work is going on there again. We believe that this (situation) is almost normal. On the question asked about the elections, the press secretary said that free and fair elections will be held in Bangladesh after "deep reforms" are carried out.

On August 5, after anti-government protests in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post of Prime Minister and left the country. The protesters had described the fall of the government and her departure as "Victory Day". Hasina reached India on August 5 and is currently staying there.

Meanwhile, it should also be noted here that the interim government of Bangladesh has decided to form a foundation to take care of the families of the dead and injured who participated in the protests in the country. More than 600 people, including 44 policemen, have been killed in the violence that broke out during the widespread demonstrations that began in July against the controversial reservation system in government jobs.