Play historic role in nat’l elections, referendum

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has called on members of the armed forces to play a "historic" role in the national election and referendum scheduled for February, reports bdnews24.com.

He also praised the forces' contribution to national security, progress, nation-building, and their steadfast presence beside citizens during moments of crisis, the state-owned news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha reported.

He made the remarks on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of this year's National Defence Course (NDC) and Armed Forces War Course at the National Defence College in Mirpur Cantonment.

"I am proud to notice the progress of the armed forces and their enduring contributions to our national security, development and national building activities. Your commitment to safeguarding our nation has been exemplary," he said.

The administration is preparing to hold the parliamentary election and the referendum on the same day in the first half of February. The Election Commission has indicated that it expects to announce the schedule within the first half of this month.

BSS quoted the chief advisor as telling armed forces personnel: "Still, we have to play a very historical role in our national elections and referendum in February next to make it not only a historical landmark but also peaceful and festive."