No matter how much pressure BNP puts, the election will be based on reforms: Adviser Nahid Islam

Nahid Islam, an advisor to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the interim government, stated that the government is accountable not to any political party but to the aspirations of the people. He emphasized that regardless of the BNP's pressure for early elections, the government will proceed with elections based on the recommendations of the reform commission. Nahid shared these remarks during an interview with private television channel 24. "It is not enough to simply take matters to court; the Awami League must seek forgiveness," he remarked. Calls to ban the Awami League have emerged from various quarters, especially following criticism of alleged geno*cide in July-August under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership. When asked about the government's stance, Nahid Islam asserted that the Awami League had forfeited its moral right to engage in politics due to its indiscriminate killing of people during student protests. He added that the party should not only address these issues legally but also apologize to the public. Addressing the government's handling of demand-driven movements following the general uprising, Nahid acknowledged that while some demands are valid, others might have conspiratorial motives. On media freedom, Nahid Islam stressed the need to review laws that hinder free expression. "We aim to develop a framework that considers economic and political security alongside related issues, ensuring people can practice media freedom seamlessly in this country," he concluded.