National Election in February, No Alternative: Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary

The Chief Adviser of the Caretaker Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has reaffirmed through his press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, that the national election will be held in the first half of February according to the announced schedule. Shafiqul Alam stated this during a press conference on Sunday night at the State Guest House Jamuna, following meetings with BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP).

Shafiqul Alam said, “The Chief Adviser has clearly stated again that the election will be free, fair, and held in a festive environment. There is no alternative to the election. Anyone attempting to avoid the election or seek another path will pose a serious danger to the nation.”

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman were present at the series of meetings throughout the day.

During the day, the Jamaat leaders met with the Chief Adviser at 4:30 pm, the NCP at 6:30 pm, and BNP leaders at 7:30 pm. After the meetings, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “Some groups are trying to delay the election. However, according to the announced schedule, the election will be held in February.”

Meanwhile, Jamaat’s Deputy Amir Syed Abdullah Md. Taher expressed concerns about the caretaker government’s capability. He questioned how the government would conduct the national election, citing failures in controlling extortion and land grabbing.

Senior Joint Convener of NCP, Ariful Islam, stated that their party wants the upcoming election to be recognized as a people’s council election to ensure a strong constitutional and legal basis.

In response to journalists’ questions, the Chief Adviser’s press secretary said, “The election will be conducted peacefully, impartially, and in a festive environment. The Chief Adviser strongly believes it will be one of the best elections in Bangladesh’s history.”

He also noted that the Chief Adviser has urged political parties to remain vigilant and prevent any conspiracies or unrest around the upcoming Durga Puja festival.