Next election 'realistically possible' by 2025: Asif Nazrul

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has said the next national election could be arranged by the next year - 2025 - after completing the pre-election preparations including formation of a new Election Commission through a search committee.

"I think realistically holding the election can be possible by next year. There are many factors. This is a preliminary assumption to me," he said during a news analysis show on a TV channel late Thursday (17 October) night.

Professor Asif said a search committee will be formed soon to help form the new Election Commission.

The new EC will then prepare a flawless voters' list and then an election will be held, he said.

Responding to a question on former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition, the law adviser said there is an extradition treaty with India and Hasina should be returned to Bangladesh if India obeys the treaty.

He said it will be protested strongly from the Bangladesh side if India tries to refuse her extradition by citing any provision in the treaty.

Asif said they will have many legal arrangements. "India is certainly bound to return Hasina (to Bangladesh) if India honestly interprets this."

The International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday issued arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina and top Awami League leaders.

After the warrant issuance, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said they will take necessary steps and try to bring Hasina back home. 

"We will take necessary preparations and try to bring her back," he told reporters, adding that the court has given one month's time. The adviser did not want to elaborate further.

Amid various conflicting reports on Hasina's status and location, the government of India on Thursday evening clarified that she arrived in India on short notice, while indicating that her stay there is likely to continue for the time being.

"We have seen some reports…I don't have any comments to offer. I had earlier mentioned she had come here (India) at a very short notice for safety reasons. She continues to be," said Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

During the TV programme, adviser Asif mentioned that he had never said that any journalist would be tried in the International Crimes Tribunal.

It was a big misinterpretation of what he actually said in the overall context, he said.

Asked about a perception that he is the most powerful adviser, Asif said it is completely wrong publicity and he has the same and equal power like other advisers in the Council of Advisers.

He said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus holds most of the consultations with the student leaders and it is logically done.

The adviser acknowledged tremendous work pressure on him and he had enjoyed much freedom in the past compared to the current position.

"Past life was simple. People used to be happy to see I am pointing out others' mistakes. Now I work round the clock, yet I can't make people happy. I feel bad for that," Asif said.

The adviser said he had passed a similar hardworking period while doing his PhD and he would be happy if he can make people happy with his works.