TDS Desk

Anu Muhammad, former professor of the Department of Economics at Jahangirnagar University, on Thursday said that a specific declaration is needed regarding when the election will take place and how the interim government will proceed.

He warned that if this process is prolonged, it could lead to uncertainty.

He made this statement at a press conference organized by the Democratic Rights Committee at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club.

Anu Muhammad said: “There are many long-term reforms that cannot be implemented without an elected permanent government. However, the interim government can lay the groundwork for several of these, through various commissions. That process can continue. But there needs to be preparation or a roadmap for the election. A specific announcement about when the election will take place is necessary.”

He added: “If this is not declared properly and the process is delayed, it could lead to mistrust and uncertainty. To avoid that, a clear roadmap or blueprint should be announced.”

Anu Muhammad said: “We cannot specify an exact date for the election, but we believe that if the government takes these matters seriously and works efficiently, the process will take the appropriate time. If not, it will take longer. I believe the government will take this issue seriously and provide a clear statement to the public soon.

“Otherwise, there is a risk of creating uncertainty. We are already seeing some instability in various areas, which should be addressed by the government,” he said.

Anu Muhammad also emphasized the need for the government to respect and honor the people, as this would resolve many problems on its own and help avoid violence or coercive tendencies in society.

When asked about constitutional reforms, he said: “Our primary demand is the abolition of provisions in the constitution that have been added to enable autocratic rule and centralization of power and resources. Another demand is to ensure that the various ethnic, religious, gender, and linguistic groups in Bangladesh are not discriminated against, and that they receive constitutional recognition. We must ensure the constitutional recognition of our multi-ethnic and multi-religious character.”

He added: “Furthermore, education and healthcare should be recognized as fundamental constitutional rights of the people. Necessary measures must be taken, as no previous government has been able to ensure this.”

Earlier, the Democratic Rights Committee had presented 13 proposals regarding the interim government’s urgent actions.

Anu Muhammad discussed the extent to which these proposals had been implemented during the first 100 days of the interim government.

He also announced that on Saturday at 3pm, there would be a gathering called “Unity in Diversity” at the Central Shaheed Minar, aimed at bringing together people from all classes, religions, genders, ethnicities, professions, and cultural backgrounds in Bangladesh.