Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed confidence that the country will undergo a fundamental transformation and that misgovernance will not return if the “Yes” vote prevails in the referendum scheduled for 12 February.
“If the ‘Yes’ vote wins, Bangladesh’s future will be built in a more positive way,” he said on Monday, during a meeting at his office in Tejgaon, which was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary.
Later, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media on the discussions at the Foreign Service Academy.
Yunus expressed strong confidence in the upcoming national election, describing it as free, fair, peaceful, and festive.
He contrasted this with previous elections, calling them “mock exercises” and “fake elections,” emphasising that the forthcoming election will be held in a transparent manner. “With only two days left, the country is almost at its destination,” he said.
The Chief Adviser stated that the election, along with the referendum, would bring about unprecedented changes to Bangladesh’s political structure.
He highlighted the inclusion of expatriate Bangladeshis in the political process, acknowledging their past contributions to political movements and uprisings. He said this would enable them to play a stronger and more meaningful role in national affairs in the future.
Yunus also called for the extensive use of technology in the election process, noting that it had made the process easier and more accessible.
He mentioned the development of a mobile app to guide voters on casting their ballots and the use of election-related apps to monitor security at nearly 43,000 polling stations across the country.
The “Election Bondhu” initiative was introduced, and body-worn cameras have been provided to around 25,700 law enforcement personnel, while CCTV cameras are being installed at polling centres. Yunus expressed optimism that this election would surpass all previous ones in terms of transparency and efficiency.
The Chief Adviser noted the arrival of a large number of international observers from different countries, reflecting renewed global confidence in Bangladesh’s democracy. This, he said, demonstrates the international community’s serious engagement with the election.
Yunus also pointed out that the previous three elections held under the former Sheikh Hasina government lacked legitimacy, as they did not include credible international observers.
He remarked that there has been no significant tension surrounding the election so far. “Campaigning is peaceful, political parties are playing a responsible role, and large public gatherings are being held without violence or disorder,” he added.
The Chief Adviser thanked the secretaries for their work over the past 18 months, especially for their cooperation in expediting around 130 ordinances issued during this period. He credited their support and efficiency for the government’s progress.
Looking ahead, Yunus said Bangladesh would continue to move forward and attract global investors to set up factories in the country. He described the nation’s young population as a vast and powerful resource.
Referring to the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), he noted that duty-free and preferential market access through investments in Bangladesh would encourage foreign companies to establish production facilities in the country.
He called the Japan-Bangladesh EPA the first of its kind and a model for future agreements. He stated that Bangladesh would pursue more free trade and preferential trade agreements, which would open new doors for the economy and expand opportunities for Bangladeshi products.
The Chief Adviser concluded the meeting by posing for photographs with senior secretaries and secretaries of the government.
