Speaker Hafiz Uddin sees no chance of Hasina returning to the country in the next 10 years

National Parliament Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad does not see any possibility of Sheikh Hasina returning to the country even in the next 10 years. He made the remark on Thursday (22 October) at around 10:30 am while speaking to journalists at Bhola Circuit House, in reply to a question. At the same time, he said no election held under the past Awami League government was fair.

The Speaker said it can be understood from the statements of senior figures in the current government that the coming election will definitely be fair. In his words, elections should be neutral and fair. He also said he has confidence in the current Election Commission.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the thirteenth national parliamentary election, already held, was fairer than any election of the past. His assessment is an expression of his confidence in the current electoral system — he made the comment by comparing it with past elections.

On local government elections, the Speaker said these elections are extremely important because local public representatives have direct contact with ordinary people. He commented that these elections were not fair either during the Awami League government's tenure.

Earlier, on Wednesday (21 October), at a reception in his own parliamentary constituency in Tajumuddin upazila of Bhola, the Speaker had commented — 'the worst person in society is the one who becomes an MP or minister'. Explaining that remark on Thursday, he said he had said those things on the basis of the Awami League government's activities.

In his words, an environment had been created during the Awami League era in which it was not possible for the good people of society to take part in elections. The Speaker expressed hope that this situation will end now that the current government has come to power.

On reform of the electoral system, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the interim government should have taken steps in this regard, but did not. However, radical reform of the electoral system is necessary. He advised the Election Commission to determine a method to create opportunities for acceptable people in society to take part in elections.

The Speaker also spoke about the natural gas resources of the island district of Bhola. He said, apparently, gas equivalent to the country's total reserves is already being found in Bhola. He hopes there are far larger gas reserves there.

On the use of Bhola's gas, he said the government has not yet taken a final decision on how this gas will be used. The government is communicating abroad on the matter. He also commented that an easy alternative for Bangladesh's economic development lies in Bhola itself. At the same time, he said Bhola's gas is the fair right of the people of Bhola.

Present during the conversation with journalists were Bhola Deputy Commissioner Dr Shamim Rahman, Superintendent of Police Muhammad Shahidullah Kawsar, Zila Parishad Administrator Golam Nabi Alamgir, and Bhola district BNP Member Secretary Raisul Alam, among others.

The Speaker's remarks come at a time when various discussions are under way about the future politics of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. Although there is speculation in political circles about the deposed former prime minister's return to the country, a comment from the holder of a constitutional post like the Speaker of Parliament has added a new dimension to that discussion.

It now remains to be seen how far the questions of 'radical reform' and participation of acceptable persons, as raised by the Speaker, advance in the coming days' elections and political process, and whether the Election Commission determines any method accordingly.