Yes’ vote to ensure end of misrule: CA

Staff Reporter :

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday said Bangladesh would experience a fundamental transformation and misgovernance would not return if the “Yes” vote prevails in the referendum scheduled for February 12.

He said a victory for the “Yes” vote would help shape the country’s future in a more constructive and positive direction.

Professor Yunus made the remarks while addressing senior secretaries and secretaries at his office in Tejgaon, with the Cabinet Secretary presiding over the meeting.

Later in the afternoon, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media on the discussions at the Foreign Service Academy.

Expressing strong confidence in the upcoming national election, Professor Yunus said the polls would be free, fair, peaceful and festive.

Referring to previous elections, he said they could hardly be regarded as genuine democratic exercises, describing them as “mock” and “fake” elections.

“In contrast, the forthcoming election will be conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. With only two days remaining, the nation is nearing its destination,” he said.

The Chief Adviser said the election, alongside the referendum, would usher in unprecedented changes to Bangladesh’s political framework.

Highlighting a historic development, he noted that expatriate Bangladeshis have been formally brought into the political process for the first time.

Acknowledging their past contributions to political movements and uprisings, he said this inclusion would allow them to play a more meaningful role in national affairs going forward.

Professor Yunus also emphasized the extensive use of technology in the election process, saying it has made voting easier and more accessible.

He said a mobile application has been developed to guide voters, while election-related apps are being used to monitor security at nearly 43,000 polling centres nationwide.

He added that the “Election Bondhu” initiative has been introduced, body-worn cameras have been provided to around 25,700 law enforcement personnel, and CCTV cameras are being installed at polling centres.

Expressing optimism, the Chief Adviser said the upcoming election would surpass all previous polls held in the country.

He also said the presence of a large number of international observers from various countries reflects renewed global confidence in Bangladesh’s democratic process and demonstrates that the international community is taking the election seriously.

Professor Yunus observed that the previous three elections held under the former Sheikh Hasina government lacked credibility and were conducted without the participation of reputable international observers.

He further noted that there has so far been no significant tension surrounding the election.

“Campaigns are being carried out peacefully across the country. Political parties are acting responsibly, and large public gatherings are taking place without violence or disorder,” he said.

The Chief Adviser thanked the secretaries for their performance over the past 18 months, particularly for their cooperation in fast-tracking work on around 130 ordinances, saying their efficiency and support were crucial to the government’s functioning.

Looking ahead, Professor Yunus said Bangladesh would continue to progress and attract global investors to establish factories in the country, describing the nation’s young population as a vast and powerful asset.

Referring to the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), he said duty-free and preferential market access through investment in Bangladesh would encourage many foreign companies to set up production facilities in the country.

He reiterated that the Japan-Bangladesh EPA is the first agreement of its kind and should serve as a model, adding that Bangladesh will pursue more free trade and preferential trade agreements.

Such agreements, he said, would create new economic opportunities and expand global market access for Bangladeshi products.

Later, the Chief Adviser posed for photographs with senior secretaries and secretaries of the government.