New prime minister likely to be sworn in on Feb 15 or 16, says press secretary

The handover of responsibilities will take place as early as possible, Shafiqul says

The interim government will relinquish its responsibilities “quickly” following the parliamentary elections, Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said.

On Thursday, he indicated that the new prime minister could take the oath three days after polling.

Speaking at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, he said: “After the vote on the 12th of February, the leader of the majority party may take oath as the new prime minister on the 15th or 16th of February.

He added, “I don’t think it will go beyond the 17th or 18th of February.”

Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, in a briefing, accused some political parties of spreading misinformation, claiming that the interim government would retain power for 180 days after the election.

He said, “The purpose of those spreading this misinformation is dishonest and deliberate. They are trying to mislead people. We believe there is no room for such confusion.”

“The government has, from the outset, assured the public that after the election, whoever is elected and gains the majority will assume the responsibilities of state, and the government will step aside from its duties. There is no ambiguity on this matter.”

He added, “The elected MPs will concurrently serve as members of the constitutional reform council for 180 working days.

“The matter of the 180 working days, which has been raised in discussion, has been clarified previously on several occasions by those responsible in the government.”