Feb 12 polls to set benchmark for future elections: CA

Staff Reporter :

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday underscored the importance of conducting the upcoming general election on February 12 in a manner that sets a lasting benchmark for future polls in Bangladesh.

“The 2026 election must be held in such a way that it becomes a standard for all future elections,” he said.
Prof Yunus made the remarks while presiding over a high-level meeting on the overall law and order situation at his office in Tejgaon, ahead of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and the referendum on implementing the July National Charter.

Later, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed journalists on the outcomes of the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy.

At the meeting, the Chief Adviser said the government’s primary responsibility is to assist the Election Commission (EC), describing the election as a major national challenge. “We must successfully complete this task and establish it as a historic achievement,” he said.

He stressed that no shortcomings should be allowed on election day, adding that extensive step-by-step preparations are underway, with February 12 being the final test. Prof Yunus said the EC’s directives are paramount and all concerned must work in strict compliance with its instructions.

The Chief Adviser noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs will play a central role in maintaining law and order, and said modern technologies such as body-worn cameras and CCTV will be used, with monitoring carried out from a central control room.

He emphasised the need for seamless coordination among all forces, noting that a large number of local and foreign journalists and observers are showing keen interest in the election. “They are taking the process very seriously, and so must we,” he said.

Prof Yunus expressed optimism that a credible election is achievable given the current preparations and positive attitude among contesting candidates, urging all parties to maintain mutual harmony.

Senior advisers, top civil and military officials, chiefs of law enforcement agencies, intelligence representatives and Election Commission officials were present at the meeting.

Speaking there, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said 51 of the 59 registered political parties are participating in the election. He added that observers from 26 countries have been invited, with the European Union expected to deploy a team of around 300 members, 56 of whom are already in Bangladesh.

Akhtar Ahmed said election campaigning will be allowed from midnight until 7:30am on February 10, while misinformation in cyberspace remains a major challenge. He urged the media to act responsibly, particularly as counting different types of ballots may take additional time.

Relevant ministries and security agencies also outlined measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply, mobile and internet connectivity, enhanced security deployment, recovery of looted weapons, and the use of body-worn cameras and drones during the election period.

Prof Yunus concluded by saying such coordination meetings will now be held weekly, or more frequently if required.