Upcoming dual voting in national elections and referendum will determine the course of Bangladesh for over 100 years, says Chief Adviser of the post-uprising government Prof Muhammad Yunus while instructing deputy commissioners to play fair in the polls.
He asks the DCs to carry out their responsibilities with "complete honesty, neutrality, and dedication" in the crucial polls, set for next February on the cusp of transition from the interim regime.
"This is not a routine one rather it is an election to save the country," he told the district-level civil administrators gathered from the country's 64 districts, 50 of them newly appointed in what stands out as pre-election reshuffles.
Reminding that the upcoming election should not be viewed merely as an election to form a government for the next five years -- and that its significance is even greater due to the added referendum -- the Chief Adviser said, "This is a completely different kind of election. The nation has witnessed many farcical elections. We must rise above those memories."
He adds: "This is a post-uprising election; an election that will complete the people's uprising. Through this election, the path of the nation for the next century will be determined."
Highlighting the critical role of the deputy commissioners, the head of interim government says there is no scope for failure. Through this election, the nation will be reborn, and the deputy commissioners will serve as 'midwives' in that process.
To the deputy commissioners he says: "Learn everything you need to know. You must ensure that the election is both festive and peaceful."
He reminds them that a vast number of young people and women are eligible voters who have been unable to exercise their right to vote for the past 15 years.
International observers have already expressed significant interest in the upcoming elections. "They are eager to see how this election unfolds -- there is deep international curiosity."
The Chief Adviser says, "Making this election successful is our pledge to the people's uprising. This election is a major undertaking, and we must win this battle.
"To survive as an independent nation, we must win this fight."
Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid moderated the meeting, which was also attended by Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, and Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul.
Among the field-administration officials who spoke at the event were Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque and Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md. Toufiqur Rahman.
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