The outgoing post-uprising interim cabinet formally adopted a vote of thanks for what members called a historic and festive election.
The resolution was passed at the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, marking the last gathering of the interim administration ahead of Tuesday's swearing in of the new cabinet.
Briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka later in the afternoon, the chief adviser's press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, said the council adopted a motion thanking all those involved in delivering what it termed a successful and historic vote.
"The advisers conveyed their appreciation in their own ways," Alam said. "In particular, the home adviser was thanked."
According to him, the chief adviser remarked: "It is doubtful whether Bangladesh has ever seen a more beautiful or better election than this."
The council also extended thanks to institutions under the home ministry and law-enforcement agencies, including the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard and Ansar. The armed forces were singled out for what was described as a "highly commendable" performance in carrying out their responsibilities during the vote.
Alam said the advisers expressed the hope that the new parliament would, for the first time, see "a very good opposition party", raising expectations of a more functional and competitive legislative environment after years of political strains.
In his concluding remarks, Yunus told colleagues: "We are lucky people who got the opportunity to serve the nation. Thank you very much."
According to the press secretary, newly elected Members of Parliament will take their oath at 10am on 17 February at the Jatiya Sangsad. Later that day, at 4:00pm, the incoming prime minister and members of the new cabinet will be sworn in at the parliament's South Plaza.
The foreign affairs adviser has invited foreign ministers from all Saarc member-states to attend the ceremony, Alam said, adding that Qatar's foreign minister has also been invited.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com