No genuine election held in past 15 years: Foreign Adviser

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said no genuinely credible election has taken place in Bangladesh over the past 15 years, noting that the last acceptable national election was held in 2008.

As a result, a large section of the population—particularly those under the age of 30—has never had the opportunity to vote.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the “Vote Vehicle” programme at the Government Boys’ High School ground in Bhola town around 11:45am on Saturday (December 27).

Touhid Hossain said the 13th National Parliamentary Election is scheduled to be held on February 12, adding that all political parties are preparing to participate. The government, he said, hopes to ensure a peaceful and festive voting environment.

“The goal of the interim government is to ensure that people can truly elect their representatives and cast votes according to their choice,” he said, stressing that the government is not working in favour of any political party.

Referring to the upcoming deadline for nomination paper collection, the foreign adviser said the list of contesting candidates would soon become clear. He expressed optimism that voters would participate spontaneously in the February 12, 2026 election and elect their preferred candidates.

Mentioning the July–August 2024 mass uprising, Touhid Hossain said a set of key reform proposals has been prepared based on the sacrifices of students and the public. These proposals will be presented to the people for the first time to gather their opinions.

He said separate referendums would be held on the reform proposals, allowing citizens to vote “yes” or “no.” The future elected government will implement necessary changes based on the outcome, he added.

Touhid Hossain also said restoring normalcy and protecting citizens’ rights are among the interim government’s key objectives, with the next parliament expected to play a decisive role in this regard.

Explaining the purpose of the “Vote Vehicle” initiative, he said it aims to raise public awareness about the importance of voting and encourage people to go to polling stations.

The event was chaired by Bhola Deputy Commissioner Dr Shamim Rahman, with Superintendent of Police Shahidullah Kawsar speaking as a special guest. Local political leaders and members of various professional groups were also present there.

Under the programme, “Vote Vehicle” activities will be conducted across different upazilas of Bhola over the next two days.