The Head of Interim Government of Bangladesh Professor Muhammad Yunus has said that the timing of holding a general election is a matter of political decision and the people of Bangladesh will decide how long this interim government will remain in power.

He made the comment in a televised address to the nation on Bangladesh Television (BTV).

He said that a free, fair and participatory election will be held in the country after necessary reforms to the administration, judiciary, the Election Commission (EC), electoral system and law-order sector.

He said that the main aim of the election was to introduce an accountable political system against corruption, looting and mass killing.

Speaking on Foreign Affairs, he said, we will maintain friendly relations with all countries. Mutual trust, believes and cooperation will be the base of our foreign policy.

He added that we are respectful to all international laws, including human rights one.

About national solidarity, Prof. Yunus said the interim government believes in national unity aimed at bringing reforms.

It will be ensured through political unity that women, children, disabled and religious minorities and indigenous people all are the citizens of the country and entitled to get equal protection as per the law.

Earlier, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir asked for a clear roadmap from the interim government for conducting national elections as soon as possible, after necessary reforms through consultations with political parties.