Govt committed to ensuring free, fair elections: Touhid

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain on Saturday said the government is firmly committed to ensuring a free, fair and credible election, noting that people have long been deprived of their fundamental right to vote.

He said the government would extend all necessary cooperation to the Election Commission to create a conducive voting environment, adding that political parties must encourage voters to take part in the electoral process peacefully.

Touhid made the remarks while inaugurating a voting vehicle programme at the Bhola Government School ground as the chief guest.

He said the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election is scheduled for February next year and that the interim government has undertaken comprehensive preparations to ensure fair polling.

The adviser described the upcoming election as particularly significant, as no credible election has been held since 2009, depriving citizens of the opportunity to vote for candidates of their choice.

He noted that a large number of young voters, especially those aged 30 or below, have been unable to exercise their franchise in recent years. “We want an election where people can cast their votes according to their will,” he said.

Touhid warned that no disorder would be tolerated during the polls, saying anyone attempting to create chaos would be dealt with swiftly under the law.

He added that the Election Commission has been instructed to suspend voting at any centre where irregularities are detected.

Urging political parties to exercise restraint, he called on them to present their views to voters without resorting to violence to ensure a free and peaceful election.

Referring to the political change in August 2024, Touhid said many young people sacrificed their lives for reform, and the government has sought to reflect those aspirations through its reform initiatives, even if not all demands could be fully met.

He reiterated that the government remains neutral and does not support any political party, urging voters to freely choose their preferred candidates.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Shamim Rahman, Superintendent of Police Shahidullah Kawsar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Bellal Hossain, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Arifuzzaman, senior officials, and leaders and activists of various political parties were present at the programme.