The national parliamentary elections could be held in December this year or June next year, said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. He said that if the political parties agree on a short reform package, the elections could be held in December. However, if a large reform package is adopted, the elections will be held in June next year.

He said these things during a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Chief Adviser's office in Tejgaon, Dhaka on Friday. At the time, the UN Secretary-General reiterated the UN's commitment to Bangladesh's reform initiatives and expressed concern over the plight of the Rohingya.

The Chief Adviser informed the UN Secretary-General that about 10 political parties have already submitted their views on the reports of the six reform commissions formed under the reform process. If the parties agree with these recommendations, they will sign the 'July Charter', which will serve as a blueprint for democratic transition, political, judicial, administrative, anti-corruption and police reforms.

Professor Yunus said that if a short reform package is adopted, the elections will be held in December, and if major reforms are adopted, they will be held in June. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring a fair, impartial and participatory election.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman said that the interim government must take immediate action to significantly improve the law and order situation for the safety of every mother, sister and daughter in every corner of Bangladesh.

He made this call in a post on his verified Facebook account on Friday (March 13) evening.

Tareq Rahman said that the tragic death of an eight-year-old girl after rape in Bangladesh has saddened, shamed and grieved us all. Children and women of the country should never face violence, oppression and harassment.

He also said that as a nation, as human beings, we need to look at ourselves to ensure that such injustice does not happen in the country and where everyone's freedom and rights are respected. I am determined to do my best to stand by the victims of such horrific crimes for justice. Our party BNP has formed two cells - one for medical assistance and the other for legal assistance. These cells are staffed by a number of female doctors and lawyers who will provide free, professional assistance to victims and their families.

Tarique Rahman said that as the pioneering political party for women's empowerment in Bangladesh, BNP is once again committed to leading the charge and building a safe, equal and just society for all, regardless of gender, religion or political opinion.

Cox’s Bazar: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that after decades of discrimination and persecution, Rohingya refugees took refuge in Bangladesh after the genocide in Rakhine State eight years ago. Many have fled in recent times after being subjected to human rights violations. Currently, Bangladesh has sheltered more than 10 lakhs Rohingyas. However, they want to return to Myanmar, because that is their homeland. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believes that safe and dignified repatriation is the main solution to this crisis.

He made these remarks while visiting the Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar on Friday (March 14).

The UN Secretary-General went directly to Ukhiya from the airport. There, he visited the Rohingya Learning Center, the Rohingya Cultural Center and the jute products production center. Earlier, he arrived in Cox's Bazar on a Bangladesh Biman flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1 pm. He was accompanied by the Interim Government's Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

After visiting the refugee camps, Guterres said, "I have met many Rohingya today and am inspired by their courage. I am deeply moved by their determination."

Guterres said, "All parties in Myanmar must exercise restraint. They must ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. It is important that no sectarian tensions or violence escalate."

He added, "We must continue to support the Rohingya until the conflict and systemic oppression in Rakhine State end."

Guterres warned, "If the humanitarian budget is cut, it will be a terrible disaster. People will suffer, even die." He added, "The people of Bangladesh have provided enormous support to the Rohingya. They have shared their land, forests, water and limited resources. Now is the time for the international community to step up."

Guterres noted, "When I was in Cox's Bazar in 2018, I saw that the Rohingya camps were still facing a climate crisis. There was extreme heat in the summer, floods and landslides in the monsoon, destroying homes. People need not only food assistance, but also education and skills development."

The UN's humanitarian and development agencies are currently suffering from budget constraints, which are feared to have a direct impact on the lives of the Rohingya.

The UN Secretary-General said, "Solutions must be found in Myanmar. We will not give up until the conditions are suitable for the safe repatriation of refugees. Until then, I call on the international community to take urgent action."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus are participating in an Iftar with Rohingyas at the Ukhiya camp in Cox's Bazar.

They visited the under-construction Cox's Bazar International Airport and the Khurushkul Climate Refugee Center on Friday (March 14) and then joined lakhs of Rohingya refugees for Iftar.

Earlier in the morning, the UN Secretary-General met with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain.

Antonio Guterres visited Bangladesh for the second time after a long seven years on Thursday (March 13) afternoon. He was welcomed at the airport by the Foreign Affairs Adviser to the interim government Touhid Hossain.