Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday urged the top leadership of the Armed Forces to maintain the highest level of caution during the election period, warning that any lapse in lawful, restrained and responsible conduct at the field level could erode public confidence in the process.
“The referendum and the national election scheduled for February 12 represent an extremely critical juncture for Bangladesh’s democratic future,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with senior Armed Forces officers at Army Headquarters.
At this sensitive time, the role of the Bangladesh Armed Forces is crucial in ensuring a free, fair, impartial and festive electoral environment, he added.
Prof Yunus urged maximum vigilance to ensure a free, fair and credible election, describing the upcoming referendum and national polls as a decisive moment in the country’s democratic transition.
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Expressing confidence in the Armed Forces, he said the government remains hopeful that, as a symbol of public trust, they will once again discharge their duties with professionalism, neutrality and a strong sense of responsibility, as demonstrated in the past.
The Chief Adviser paid deep respect to the martyrs of the Great Liberation War and those who lost their lives during the July–August student-people uprising.
He also expressed gratitude for the Armed Forces’ role in maintaining peace and stability across the country.
He said the role played by the Armed Forces in controlling the law-and-order situation during the post-fascist period would remain a memorable chapter in the nation’s history.
Prof Yunus said a nation long deprived of voting rights expressed its aspiration to take responsibility for its own future through the July 2024 uprising, adding that participation in the forthcoming elections would be the ultimate expression of that aspiration.
“The referendum will allow people to express their views on shaping the future state system, while the national election will enable them to elect suitable representatives to implement those views,” he said, adding that the significance of the upcoming polls far exceeds that of previous elections.
The Chief Adviser said a large number of young voters would cast their ballots for the first time, while many older citizens would return to the polls after being deprived of voting rights for a prolonged period.
“In this context, it is our collective responsibility to ensure a fear-free and festive voting environment for all voters. The Armed Forces would be a crucial partner in fulfilling this responsibility,” he said.
The Chief Adviser said that free, fair and acceptable elections form the foundation of a democratic state, stressing the need to provide maximum support to the administration and the Election Commission so that every citizen can exercise their franchise without fear or undue influence.
Making a call for collective efforts, he urged all concerned to move forward on the path towards a peaceful, stable and democratic Bangladesh.
Referring to the Armed Forces, Prof Yunus said their capabilities had been neglected during a prolonged period of fascist rule, adding that the interim government has taken initiatives to modernise and strengthen the Forces since assuming office.
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He said initiatives are underway to establish factories for manufacturing military arms and equipment under Armed Forces management to enhance self-reliance and capacity.
Prof Yunus also said defence cooperation memoranda have already been signed with the Netherlands and Malaysia, while processes are underway to sign similar agreements with several other countries, including Italy, Japan and Thailand.
Senior officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with invited guests, were present at the meeting.
