Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Emphasizes Unwavering Election Timeline Amidst Referendum Deliberations
The national election will be held before February 15, 2026, regardless of the outcome of the proposed referendum, confirmed the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, on Friday. His statement underscores the government’s commitment to the election timeline, even as deliberations surrounding the referendum continue.
“The chief adviser will make the final decision on the referendum issue. Whatever the decision may be, the election will be held before February 15—no power can delay it,” Mr. Alam told reporters in Noakhali.
Chief Adviser to Make Final Call on Referendum
Speaking after attending the closing and prize-giving ceremony of the “MindBridge and Knowledge Competition 2025” organised by the July Konnya Foundation at Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), Shafiqul Alam addressed the prevailing political environment.
He acknowledged that different political parties are expressing their opinions but stressed that the government does not view these as threats. “The Chief Adviser will do whatever is best [for the country],” he added, indicating the Chief Adviser retains the final authority on the matter.
Update on Sheikh Hasina Trial and Women’s Role in Uprising
Regarding the high-profile trial of Sheikh Hasina, the Press Secretary informed that the court is set to announce the date for declaring the verdict on November 13.
Mr. Alam also highlighted the significant and active participation of women in the 2024 July Uprising, which led to the fall of the previous regime. “Women stood shoulder to shoulder with men in the uprising that toppled autocracy. Women are no longer behind; they are now represented in all spheres of society,” he noted.
The event, aimed at encouraging youth to flourish their knowledge and intellect, was also attended by NSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Ismail as the chief patron, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Noakhali Ismail Hossain as special guest, and July Konnya Foundation President Jannatul Nayem Promi in the chair.
