Fully prepared to hold upcoming elections: Chief Adviser

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has said that we are fully prepared to hold a free, fair, and peaceful elections.

He made the remarks during a farewell meeting with outgoing US Charge d’Affaires Tracy Ann Jacobson at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka on Monday (December 29).

The meeting covered preparations for the upcoming February national parliamentary elections and referendum, trade, civil aviation, labour reforms under the interim government, and bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States.

Jacobson praised Dr. Yunus’ leadership during her one-year tenure in Bangladesh and reaffirmed US support for the February elections. She also lauded the interim government’s labour reforms, describing the new labour law as “remarkable and exceptional,” noting its potential to attract foreign investment. She commended the decision to withdraw 45 of 46 cases filed against workers’ leaders during the previous government.

In response, Dr. Yunus called the new labour ordinance “excellent,” highlighting its positive reception among senior national labour leaders and supportive stance by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The meeting also discussed humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees. Prof. Yunus noted that the United States remains the largest single donor for life-saving aid to over one million refugees in Bangladesh’s southeastern camps, with support expected to continue.

Chief Adviser Yunus thanked Jacobson for her contributions during her tenure, referred to her as a friend of Bangladesh, and extended an invitation for future visits. National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman and SDG Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were also present at the meeting.