‘Absolutely determined’ to hold ‘safe’, ‘credible’ elections, says CA Yunus

Ensuring a joyful, safe, and credible democratic experience for every voter is the moral and constitutional responsibility of all, he says

Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to the interim government, has reiterated its “absolute determination” to make the parliamentary election and referendum vote “safe” and “credible”.

In a statement issued on Wednesday ahead of the polls, he said many young citizens will be voting for the first time, while numerous adults had long been deprived of what he described as a meaningful opportunity to cast their ballots.

“Therefore, it is the moral and constitutional responsibility of us all to ensure that this referendum and the general election become a joyful, safe, credible and festive democratic experience for every voter.”

“The current interim government is fully determined to achieve this goal,” he added.

The interim prime minister called the election the “culmination of aspirations” and an “institutional expression” of the democratic aspirations and dignity of a nation which had been “deprived of voting rights for a long time” before July Uprising of 2024.

Addressing the people, the chief advisor said: "I hope that, through the referendum, the people of Bangladesh will express their clear views on the future state structure and governance system and, through the national elections, will elect people's representatives who are competent, responsible and respectful of the people's aspirations to implement those views.

"In this way, the people will directly participate and take responsibility for running the state."

He extended his “heartfelt greetings and congratulations” to his countrymen on the occasion of the polls, saying: "This epoch-making referendum and national elections will be considered a unique and significant chapter in the political history of Bangladesh.

"This is not just an election or a constitutional process; rather, it is an important juncture that reflects the country's future system of state, democratic trends and the sovereign will of the people."

He said, “A free, fair, and acceptable election is the foundation of a democratic state. The administration, the Election Commission, the armed forces and all law-enforcing agencies must perform their respective duties with utmost professionalism, impartiality and responsibility to ensure that every citizen of the country can freely exercise his or her right to vote without any kind of fear, pressure or influence.

“At the same time, I call on political parties, candidates and all concerned groups to maintain restraint, tolerance and democratic behavior.”

Appealing to voters across all sections of society, Yunus encouraged them to cast their ballots “conscientiously”.

“Your active participation in this historic journey of democracy will help us move forward collectively on the path of a peaceful, stable, inclusive and democratic Bangladesh,” he said.

Election Commission has finalised all arrangements for the dual vote on Thursday, which will see more than 127 million eligible voters across the country heading to the polling stations.