Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said on Sunday that while the chief adviser has indicated the election could be held as early as December, the final deadline will be June 2026, with no possibility of further delay.

The adviser made the statement while speaking as chief guest at a discussion meeting with beneficiaries of the Baikka Beel Fish Sanctuary in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar.

“The chief adviser has announced that the election may be held by December. Reforms in the country are essential. If reforms are not completed and political parties reach a consensus, the latest possible date for the election will be June 2026, and it will not extend beyond that.”

Regarding law and order, Farida said: “One thing we must keep in mind is that after a massive movement by the youth, a change has taken place in the country. However, not everything has changed. Many who were previously in power are now trying to become active again, which is causing various situations in the country. These incidents are temporary and will not last long. Law enforcement agencies are currently playing a very active role.

“We want to restore and reform the country, fix the damages, and create a stable environment for the election. Those trying to create instability are harming the political landscape. Some of these incidents are occurring due to instigative factors.”

Expressing gratitude to the youth, she said: “The young generation has achieved tremendous success. Their small demand led to a struggle against discrimination, in which they sacrificed their lives and were injured. Thousands of young people are still in hospitals. Merely paying them respect is not enough; we must always remember them.

“The interim government gives the highest priority to this matter. Various ministries, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, can develop projects for them.”

She continued: “We will take a keen interest in initiatives that benefit the youth. The government has taken the initiative to support the families of martyrs and the injured, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will also be involved in this effort.”

In response to a journalist’s question, the fisheries adviser said: “Those who take pleasure in hunting birds in the haor region must refrain from this act. It is a cruel and inhumane practice. This should not continue as it is harmful to both the country and the environment. Along with enforcing existing laws, raising public awareness is essential to prevent this.”