CA Prof Muhammad Yunus addresses a views-exchange meeting with senior armed forces officers at Army Headquarters in the capital on Monday. — PID Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday directed the Armed Forces to remain on the highest level of alert to ensure a free, fair, neutral and widely acceptable electoral environment ahead of the referendum and the 13th national parliamentary election scheduled for 12 February.
Speaking at an exchange meeting with senior military officials at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Dhaka, Professor Yunus described the upcoming referendum and election as a "critical turning point" for Bangladesh's democratic future. He said the role of the armed forces would be crucial in maintaining stability and public confidence during this sensitive period.
Professor Yunus said the referendum and the parliamentary election carried exceptional significance as they would mark the democratic transition of a nation long deprived of its voting rights. He noted that the July uprising of 2024 reflected the people's determination to reclaim ownership of the state, and that this aspiration would find its ultimate expression through voting.
"Through the referendum, people will express their views on the future structure of the state, and through the parliamentary election they will choose their representatives to implement that vision," he said. "The importance of this election is therefore greater than at any time in the past."
He highlighted that a large number of young voters would be casting ballots for the first time, while many older citizens had been denied voting rights for years. In this context, he stressed the collective responsibility of all state institutions to ensure a fear-free and festive voting environment.
Calling the armed forces a key partner in this effort, he said a capable, professional, impartial and people-oriented military would play a vital supporting role in delivering a peaceful and credible election.
Professor Yunus expressed hope that future elected governments would continue these initiatives to strengthen the country's defence capacity.
On arrival at the Helmet Auditorium of the Armed Forces Headquarters, the chief adviser was received by Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hasan, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, and Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hasan.
Senior officers from the army, navy and air force, along with invited guests, were present at the meeting.
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