The asset declarations of advisers serving under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus are set to be made public within days, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Monday.
Addressing a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy, he said that all advisers, except one or two, have submitted their asset statements.
“I repeat, you will receive the information. As far as I know, one or two advisers have not submitted their asset statements, while the rest have. The details will be published in one or two days,” he added.
The press briefing was held to announce the decisions of a special meeting of the advisory council held earlier in the day.
Muhammad Yunus had promised in a national address in August 2024, two weeks after assuming office, that the asset statements of all advisers would be published promptly.
However, despite the interim government nearing the end of its tenure, the disclosures have not yet been released, drawing criticism from economists and anti-corruption activists who said the opportunity to set a positive precedent has been missed.
On the upcoming election, Shafiqul Alam said the government could not predict voter turnout but expected the polls to be free, fair and festive.
Commenting on the political situation of the ousted Awami League, he climed the party has been attempting to create unrest since November and is currently active mainly online.“We do not see them in rallies,” he said.
Regarding media freedom, he said the press has remained unrestricted for the past 18 months and has been able to report freely.
He also claimed that no media houses were shut down and that outlets closed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure have been reopened, along with reforms in the sector.
Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar said the 13th National Parliamentary Election is expected to be monitored by 330 foreign observers, including up to 211 from the European Union.
He also said the interim government did not intend to issue certificates by bringing anyone in.
The interim government was formed on 8 August, 2024, under Muhammad Yunus following the 5 August student and public uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government.
Since then, advisers have been appointed in several phases. After adjustments, the advisory council now has 21 members, including the chief adviser.
In addition, there are four special assistants, special envoys, and a national security adviser in the rank of adviser.
The chief adviser’s four special assistants and the executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Board also serve in the rank of state ministers.
