The interim government aims to hand over state power to the elected government as soon as possible after the 12 February election, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Saturday, dismissing any notion of external pressure over the polls.

The adviser made the remarks while replying to journalists after a view exchange meeting with officials of various government offices and departments at the Munshiganj Deputy Commissioner’s conference room.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Syeda Nurmahal Ashrafi.

The adviser said the government is committed to maintaining cordial relations with all countries, adding that Bangladesh currently enjoys good relations with the outside world.

Responding to a question on justice, Touhid Hossain said there is no scope for haste in the judicial process.

He noted that the authorities are not fully certain about the whereabouts of Hadi’s killers, but stressed that the government is making sincere efforts to bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible.

Earlier, the foreign adviser laid wreaths at the July Shaheed Memorial alongside members of the martyrs’ families.

He later visited the graves of those martyred in the July movement at the Uttar Islampur area of Munshiganj town and inquired about the wellbeing of the bereaved families.

Among others present were Superintendent of Police Md Menhazul Alam, PPM, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Overall) Muhammad Mosabberul Islam, and members of the martyrs’ families.