Yunus calls upcoming vote ‘an election to save Bangladesh’

He urges officials to ensure absolute honesty and neutrality during February’s election and referendum

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has urged district administrators to carry out their duties in the upcoming election and referendum with complete honesty, neutrality, and dedication.

Addressing the deputy commissioners (DCs) of all 64 districts on Monday, he stressed the upcoming vote is an “election to save the country”, rather than a routine one.

The Chief Advisor’s Office later issued a statement outlining his remarks.

Yunus said the next election should not be viewed merely as a five-year mandate to form a government as the addition of a referendum has made it “even more significant”.

“This is a completely different election. The nation has seen many farcical elections, we have to play our part in overcoming those memories."

"This is the post-Uprising election. This election is to fulfil the aspirations of the Uprising. Through this election, the nation will determine its course for the next century," Yunus added.

Emphasising the importance of the role played by DCs in the election, the chief advisor said: "There is no scope for failure. The election will mark the nation's rebirth and deputy commissioners will play the role of midwives."

Addressing the DCs, he added: "You must learn everything you need to know. The elections must be festive and peaceful."

He noted that a large number of young and female voters were not able to exercise their right to vote over the last 15 years.

He said international observers were already showing great enthusiasm for the upcoming elections. “They want to see how the elections will take shape. They are very interested in it.”

"Making this election meaningful is our commitment to the mass uprising. This election is a major undertaking and we must win it."

“We must win this battle if we want to survive as an independent nation.”