Advisers adopt resolution praising all concerned for holding historic, festive polls

Staff Reporter:

The Council of Advisers on Sunday adopted a formal resolution expressing appreciation to all stakeholders for their outstanding roles in holding what it described as a successful, historic and festive national election.

The resolution was approved at the council’s 61st weekly meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office, with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair.

Following the meeting, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, outlining the key decisions and observations of the advisory council.

He said the advisers unanimously characterised the 13th parliamentary election as a “successful and historic festive election,” while the Chief Adviser thanked all concerned for their exemplary performance in conducting the polls.

According to the press secretary, individual members of the council also voiced their appreciation. Special thanks were extended to Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury for his ministry’s role, with advisers remarking that Bangladesh may not have witnessed such an orderly and well-managed election before.

The council also lauded the efforts of all law enforcement agencies under the Home Ministry-including police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Coast Guard, Ansar-and the Bangladesh Armed Forces for ensuring a peaceful environment throughout the voting process.

The council further adopted a vote of thanks for immediate past Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, recognising his contribution to administering the election in a free, fair, peaceful and festive manner.
The thanksgiving motion was moved by Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and approved unanimously.

Advisers observed that the election achieved unprecedented success on several fronts. For the first time, they noted, a strong opposition will be visible in parliament, including individuals who were victims of enforced disappearance and killings, as well as participants in the July Revolution-ensuring broader representation of Bangladeshi society. They also highlighted representation of such victims on the treasury bench.

Another significant observation was the absence of post-election violence against minorities, a concern often raised after previous polls.

Religious minority communities and women voters were seen casting their votes in a festive atmosphere, with no reports of attacks on homes or property.

The council praised the extensive and first-time use of technology in election management, including body-worn cameras, the Surokkha App and CCTV surveillance.

The Chief Adviser personally monitored live feeds from Police Headquarters and communicated in real time with officials at 17 polling centres through body-worn cameras.

Terming this initiative unprecedented, the advisers expressed hope that expanded technological deployment would further improve future elections.

The interim government’s introduction of postal ballots to engage the Bangladeshi diaspora was also commended, alongside the Election Commission’s firm and independent role.

Advisers described the election as the least violent in the country’s history, noting that while the 1991 polls saw violence at dozens of centres, only marginal incidents were reported this time.

The council also took note of positive assessments by international observers, including the European Union Election Observer Mission, International Republican Institute and ANFREL.

The meeting concluded with the Chief Adviser’s remarks: “We are lucky people who got the opportunity to serve the nation.”