Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam clarified on Thursday that the interim government will hand over power to the newly elected government immediately after the upcoming national elections.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy following an advisory council meeting, Shafiqul Alam stated that the transfer of power will take place following the oath-taking ceremony of the elected representatives and will not extend beyond 17 or 18 February.
The national election is scheduled for 12 February.
Addressing rumours, the press secretary dismissed claims that the government intended to remain in power for 180 days, asserting that there is no scope for such a move and that the objective is to hand over the trust (amanat) to an elected government as quickly as possible.
Reflecting on the interim government’s 18-month tenure, Shafiqul Alam noted that the public would judge their performance. He revealed that the administration held 68 cabinet meetings and took 526 decisions, the majority of which have been implemented.
Besides, 116 ordinances have been issued, with another 16 currently in progress. He also described the current electoral environment as far more festive and peaceful compared to the elections held in 2014, 2018, or 2024.
In a move to provide relief to consumers, the government has decided to exempt the 7.5% VAT and 2% Advance Tax (AT) currently imposed on the local production and business stages of LPG.
Moving forward, only the 7.5% VAT at the import stage will remain in effect, which is expected to result in a significant reduction in the market price of LPG.
Regarding the upcoming month of Ramadan, the government has rescheduled office hours from 9am to 3:30pm. This includes a 15-minute break for Zohr prayers from 1pm to 1:15pm.
The press secretary also announced the names of 10 distinguished individuals and organisations selected for this year’s Ekushey Padak.
The recipients include Marina Tabassum for architecture, Ayub Bachchu and Warfaze for music, and Professor Mahbubul Alam Majumder for education, among others.
