‘People to Get True Representatives After Decades’: Asif Nazrul

He made these comments to reporters on Tuesday morning, February 10, following an exchange of views with a visiting Commonwealth delegation. Dr. Nazrul noted that the Awami League has yet to offer any remorseful statements and is showing no effort to return to a democratic path, making their involvement in state reconstruction out of the question.

The Adviser stated that the Commonwealth delegation primarily sought to understand the environment of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and the overall political landscape. In response, he reassured them that Bangladesh is about to witness a truly participatory election after many years. “The people of this country are finally getting the chance to choose their true representatives. We are committed to ensuring transparency through a free and fair election,” he said.

Dr. Nazrul emphasized that the primary responsibility of those who come to power after the February 12 polls will be to continue and implement the state reform initiatives launched by the interim government. He warned that the next government must ensure accountability and transparency, keeping in mind the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives in the July Uprising. He asserted that there is no longer any opportunity to return to the old culture of governing without a public mandate.

Addressing a question regarding women's participation in the election, Dr. Nazrul observed that under the previous fascist regime, women who wore the niqab or veil often faced various forms of harassment. He claimed that this situation has changed and that women's participation in the political space will be higher than ever before. He expressed optimism that, due to the fair environment, a record number of female voters would turn out at polling centers without fear.