CA Urges Armed Forces to Ensure Free, Fair Feb 12 Polls

“The referendum and the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election scheduled for February 12 represent a critical juncture in the country’s democratic journey,” Prof Yunus said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with senior Armed Forces officers at Army Headquarters, according to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

At this sensitive time, he said, the role of the Armed Forces is vital in maintaining a peaceful, impartial and festive electoral environment. Expressing confidence in the military, Prof Yunus said the government expects them to carry out their duties with neutrality, discipline and a strong sense of responsibility, as they have done in the past.

During his address, the Chief Adviser paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and those who lost their lives during the July–August student-people uprising, while also thanking the Armed Forces for their role in maintaining peace and stability across the country. He said their efforts in restoring law and order in the post-fascist period would remain a proud chapter in national history.

Prof Yunus described the upcoming polls as a decisive turning point in Bangladesh’s democratic transition. He said the July 2024 uprising reflected the people’s aspiration to reclaim their voting rights and shape their own future, adding that participation in the February 12 polls would be the ultimate expression of that desire.

“The referendum will allow citizens to voice their views on the future state system, while the parliamentary election will enable them to choose representatives to implement those views,” he said, noting that the importance of the upcoming polls surpasses that of any previous election.

Highlighting the participation of first-time young voters and citizens returning to the polls after long periods of disenfranchisement, Prof Yunus stressed the need for a fear-free and inclusive voting atmosphere. He said the Armed Forces would be a crucial partner in ensuring such an environment.

“Free, fair and acceptable elections are the foundation of a democratic state,” he said, calling for maximum support to the administration and the Election Commission so that every citizen can exercise their franchise without fear or undue influence.