Govt Will Take All Necessary Measures to Ensure a Free, Fair, and Impartial Election: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today assured leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami that the interim government would take all necessary measures to ensure a free, fair, and impartial national election in February next year.

“You can remain confident about our neutrality. We have already taken several steps to ensure a free, fair, and credible election, and you will soon see many more initiatives,” he said.

The Chief Adviser gave the assurance during separate meetings with delegations from both political parties at the State Guest House Jamuna, according to a release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. During the discussions, Professor Yunus sought cooperation from all active political parties, including Jamaat and the NCP, to help make the election peaceful and festive.

Alongside the government’s preparations for the upcoming polls, the meetings also focused on the implementation process of the July National Charter, the proposed referendum, and the roadmap for the trial of the July killings.

A four-member NCP delegation, led by its Convener Nahid Islam, attended the meeting. Other members included Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint Convener Samanta Sharmin, and Joint Convener Khaled Saifullah.

Later, a four-member Jamaat delegation, headed by Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, met the Chief Adviser. Other members included Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar and Assistant Secretary Generals ATM Masum and Rafiqul Islam Khan.

On behalf of the government, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, and Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan were present at both meetings.

During the discussion, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said, “We want a clear roadmap for the trial of the July killings and a guarantee for the implementation of the July Charter before the national election. The government must take firm steps in this regard.”

In response, the Chief Adviser urged the NCP to sign the July Charter, saying, “This charter is a valuable national asset, and everyone’s participation is essential.”

Professor Yunus further assured the NCP delegation that the National Consensus Commission was actively working on implementing the July National Charter.

Nahid Islam informed the Chief Adviser that the NCP had already sent a letter to the Commission requesting a meeting with its legal experts to discuss relevant issues.

Shortly after the NCP meeting, Jamaat leaders met the Chief Adviser and called for a referendum on the July Charter before the national election.

“A referendum before the election is crucial because the July Charter contains many issues directly linked to the polls,” Dr Abdullah Mohammad Taher said.

“If the referendum is held on the same day as the national election, there is a risk that the voting process will be delayed,” he added.

The Jamaat leaders expressed full confidence in any decision taken by the Chief Adviser to maintain administrative neutrality during the election.

The Chief Adviser told the NCP and Jamaat delegations that he would personally oversee any administrative reshuffles before the election and assured them that all necessary measures would be taken in coordination with the Election Commission.