CA seeks coop from pol parties
Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday called upon all political parties to cooperate in holding the upcoming general elections in a free, fair and festive environment.
“It is the shared responsibility of the government, the Election Commission and political parties to ensure that this year’s election is conducted in a fair and celebratory atmosphere. I seek the cooperation of all political parties to achieve this,” he said.
The Chief Adviser made the remarks during a meeting with a four-member delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its Convener Nahid Islam, at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday evening, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
The delegation included NCP Central Election Management Committee Chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Secretary Monira Sharmin, and head of the legal assistance subcommittee Jahirul Islam Musa.
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb were also present at the meeting.
During the discussion, NCP leaders shared their observations and raised various concerns related to the election process. They said party leaders and activists at all levels are actively campaigning in support of a “Yes” vote in the referendum.
The NCP delegation also highlighted several election-related issues and urged the government to take proactive steps to ensure a level playing field for all participants.
In response, Prof Yunus asked the NCP leaders to promptly inform the government of any complaints or suggestions regarding the election, assuring them that necessary action would be taken.
“Measures will be taken to ensure that no one can violate the law,” he said.
Mentioning that field administration officials have been reshuffled through a lottery system to ensure neutrality, the Chief Adviser said there is no room for bias in the election.
“This election will determine the future of the country. It will bring change. Therefore, it must be conducted fairly,” he added.
He further said that most polling centres will be brought under CCTV surveillance by this month, while officials deployed at risk-prone centres will be equipped with body-worn cameras. All activities will be monitored from a central control room.
Regarding the referendum, Prof Yunus said the government is lawfully campaigning in favour of the “Yes” vote.
“We are trying to explain to the people why voting ‘Yes’ is necessary and what it will mean for the country. We have also invited all political parties to take part in this effort,” he said.