Yunus urges parties, candidates to show tolerance after election result

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has urged political parties and candidates to maintain restraint and democratic civility even after the final results of the parliamentary election are announced.

In a statement issued on Thursday after voting concluded, Yunus urged “unity” despite differences of opinion.

The chief adviser congratulated and thanked the nation for the peaceful and festive conduct of both the parliamentary election and the referendum.

Voting began at 7:30am and continued uninterrupted until 4:30pm on Thursday.

Yunus said, “The spontaneous participation of voters, the responsible conduct of political parties, the restraint shown by candidates and the professionalism of all election-related institutions together demonstrate that our commitment to democracy remains unshaken.

“By exercising their constitutional rights, the people have played an active role in shaping the country’s future.”

Praising the role of institutions involved in the election, he added: “I extend special thanks to the Election Commission (EC), law-enforcing agencies, the armed forces, the administration, observer teams, media professionals and all officials and employees engaged in the voting process.

“Their dedication and hard work ensured the successful completion of this vast democratic exercise.”

“This election is a moment of great joy and celebration for us. Through it, an unprecedented journey towards a new Bangladesh has begun,” he added.

Claiming the polls were the most peaceful and festive in the country’s history, Yunus said: “If this momentum can be sustained, our democracy will reach new heights.”