The Council of Advisers on Sunday adopted a formal resolution expressing gratitude to all stakeholders for their roles in conducting a successful, historic, and festive 13th parliamentary election.
The resolution was approved during the council’s 61st weekly meeting, held at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
Following the session, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media at the Foreign Service Academy, noting that the advisers characterised the polls as an unprecedented success.
Recognition of security, administration
The council extended special appreciation to Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury for his ministry’s pivotal role, observing that the nation may never have witnessed a better-managed election.
Praise was also directed toward the Armed Forces and all law enforcement agencies under the Home Ministry – including the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, and Ansar – for their commendable performance.
Additionally, the council approved a vote of thanks for the immediate past Cabinet Secretary, Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, for his contribution to managing the administration to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful voting process.
The thanksgiving motion was moved by Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.
Broad representation and safety
The advisory council observed that the election achieved record success in several areas, notably the emergence of strong opposition in parliament.
This group includes individuals who were previously victims of enforced disappearances and killings, as well as front-line participants of the July Revolution, ensuring a diverse representation of society. Similar representation was also noted on the treasury bench.
Unlike previous elections, there were no reports of post-election violence against religious minorities. Minority communities and female voters participated in a festive atmosphere without threats to their homes or property.
Technological milestones and diaspora inclusion The council lauded the “unprecedented” use of technology, including CCTV, the “Surokkha App,” and body-worn cameras.
Chief Adviser Yunus personally monitored live feeds from Police Headquarters and communicated with officials at 17 polling centres in real-time. He remarked that body-worn cameras will now become a permanent component of election management in Bangladesh.
The meeting also highlighted the introduction of postal ballots, an initiative by the interim government to involve the Bangladeshi diaspora in the electoral process. The Election Commission was further praised for its firm and independent role.
Lowest violence in history
The advisers noted that this was the least violent election in the history of Bangladesh. By comparison, the 1991 election – previously considered the country’s best – recorded violence in 87 centres, whereas this election saw only marginal incidents.
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury clarified that while four deaths were reported during the period, only one was genuinely linked to election violence. A probe committee has been established to investigate a post-election incident involving a girl in Hatiya.
International observers, including the European Union (EU) Election Observer Mission, the Commonwealth, the International Republican Institute (IRI), and ANFREL, highly commended the management of the polls.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain informed the council that foreign ministers from SAARC nations and Qatar have been invited to attend the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected Members of Parliament and cabinet members on Tuesday.
The meeting concluded with Yunus remarking, “We are lucky people who got the opportunity to serve the nation.”
