Upcoming election must be made historic and memorable: Chief Adviser

Terming the upcoming post-uprising election an opportunity to build a new Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said that the election must be made memorable by organising it beautifully and fairly.

He said this on Wednesday, December 10, while briefing Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) across the country through video conferencing on election preparedness from the state guesthouse Jamuna.

Deputy commissioners, divisional commissioners and officials of the Cabinet Division were connected online at that time. Addressing the UNOs, the Chief Adviser further said that history has given us a new opportunity. The next generation will not get such a chance. If we can utilise it, we will build a new Bangladesh, and if we fail, the nation will collapse.

The Chief Adviser said that we have witnessed elections before. Any sensible person would say that elections held in recent periods were not elections, rather deception. He said the upcoming election is not like any other responsibility; it is a historic responsibility. If we carry it out properly, the day of the election will also be historic for the nation.

Referring to the UNOs, the Chief Adviser said that only if they discharge their duties properly, will the government be able to fulfil its responsibility. Mentioning that both the election and referendum are extremely important for the nation, he said that the election is for five years, while the referendum is for a hundred years.

Addressing newly-appointed UNOs, the Chief Adviser said that their primary responsibility is to host a peaceful and festive election. He advised them to visit all polling stations in their respective areas, and consult local residents, stakeholders and colleagues to prepare for a smooth election.

Referring to the referendum, Dr Yunus said that through it, Bangladesh can be permanently transformed. The foundation of the new Bangladesh we envision can be laid through this process.

Emphasising voter awareness regarding the referendum, he said voters must be informed so that they decide beforehand whether to vote “yes” or “no”. He instructed officials to remain innovative in handling any situation and to take steps against misinformation and rumours.

Highlighting women’s participation, he said that special attention must be given to ensure that women are able to come to polling centres properly.