Int’l community positive about general polls Says Press Secretary
Staff Reporter :
The international community has expressed a positive response to country’s upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Friday.
Speaking to journalists after visiting the Nanduwali Nitai Gaur Gopal Sebashram in Magura town, Alam confirmed that global observers were hopeful Bangladesh would witness a peaceful democratic transition and a credible election.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens – Muslims, Hindus, hill people, and Bengalis alike – could cast their votes in a peaceful, inclusive environment.
Alam stated, “We want to ensure that all sections of our people – our Muslim brothers and sisters, Hindu brothers and sisters, hill people, and Bengalis alike – are able to vote in a calm and peaceful environment. To achieve this, the government and the Election Commission have made extensive preparations.”
During his address, Alam criticised the Awami League, calling it “extremely fascist,” and accused the party of widespread corruption and irregularities during its time in power.
He claimed that under the banner of the Liberation War’s spirit, the Awami League had imposed one-party fascism, where government jobs were only accessible to party loyalists.
Alam also dismissed claims made by Awami League leaders abroad, especially the unfounded allegation that 3,000 police officers had been killed. “Such claims are lies, and they have no time left,” he said.
He added that if the Awami League were to apologize now or say sorry, it would have no value. “The time has passed, and they no longer have the opportunity for nominations,” Alam asserted.
However, even after 17 months, the Awami League has not expressed any remorse for the murders and disappearances committed under its leadership. They have not even called for peace.”
Alam further stated, “I do not see a future for the Awami League in Bangladesh politics. The party has lost its credibility among the people. While its leaders abroad spread lies, they claim that 3,000 police officers were killed – something that is not realistic. They are attempting to portray the millions of students involved in protests as militants to justify the killings. Such actions will only further alienate the people of Bangladesh.”
In response to a question about whether the Awami League’s absence from the upcoming election would undermine its legitimacy, Alam stated, “The idea that the election would be meaningless without the Awami League’s participation does not exist in the minds of the general public. Country’s people are eagerly waiting for a free, fair, and credible election.”
He went on to say, “When any political party takes up arms, uses them against young students, and engages in abductions, murders, and genocide, no civilised nation in the world would consider it a democratic political party. Through these actions, the Awami League has disqualified itself from participating in the election.”
Alam also expressed his desire to return to journalism after his duties with the interim government conclude.
Alam further revealed that efforts were underway to bring all 301 polling centres in Magura district under direct CCTV surveillance by January.
He also mentioned that 800 police personnel in the district had already been trained. Across the country, similar measures are being adopted, with risky polling centres identified and law enforcement officers equipped with body cameras for added security.
Others present during the temple visit included Nitai Gaur Gopal, Sebashram principal Chinmayananda Das Brahmachari, and Tarun Bhowmik.