Speaker calls for radical overhaul of electoral system, sees no chance of Hasina’s return even in 10 years
Photo: Collected
Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has urged a complete overhaul of the electoral system, answering a journalist’s question at the Bhola Circuit House today (Thursday). In his words, ‘My political experience tells me there is no chance of Sheikh Hasina returning even in the next 10 years. During its time in power, the Awami League created such an environment that it was not possible for honest, good and neutral people in society to take part in elections. That is why a radical reform of the electoral system is needed now.’
The Speaker also spoke about the upcoming local elections. In his view, local government elections ought to be free, fair and neutral, and they also need to be. Noting that no election had been fair in the past 17 years, he said the next local government elections will be held in a free, fair and neutral manner.
The Speaker said the way should be kept open for people who are popular and accepted in society to stand as candidates even if they have no money. He said, ‘A person may not be wealthy or affluent, but if he has popularity and acceptance in society, such people should be given the opportunity to contest elections. For this, the Election Commission must set out a method that gives ordinary people the chance to contest.’
Hafiz Uddin Ahmed also raised the potential of Bhola’s mineral gas. He said, ‘This district has an ample amount of natural gas. This gas appears equal to the whole country’s current reserves. It is hoped that Bhola has more gas deposits. The ordinary people of Bhola need gas. The people of Bhola have been suffering for a long time. Gas is the rightful claim of the people of Bhola. It is their long-standing demand. I will speak to the energy minister on this matter.’
The Speaker left Bhola for Dhaka at 11:30am after ending a three-day visit to his constituency, Lalmohan-Tazumuddin.
Background
According to a 12 March report by The Daily Star Bangla, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed was elected Speaker at the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. He was the only candidate for the post; the motion was passed by voice vote, and President Mohammed Shahabuddin later administered his oath.
District angle
According to Petrobangla’s estimates, Bhola’s three gas fields — Shahbazpur, Bhola North and Ilisha — may hold around 1,432 billion cubic feet of gas, of which less than 200 billion cubic feet has been extracted so far, Prothom Alo reported on 25 October 2025.
The same report said that although Shahbazpur’s daily production capacity is around 150 million cubic feet, at most about 75 million cubic feet was being used; there was also no arrangement at the time to take the gas out of the district.
Background sources: The Daily Star Bangla, 12 March 2026; Prothom Alo, 25 October 2025
