Govt Pledges All Steps for Free, Fair and Credible Polls: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed the interim government’s firm commitment to ensuring a free, fair and impartial national election scheduled for February next year, pledging to take every necessary step to safeguard public confidence in the democratic process.

“You can remain confident about our neutrality,” the Chief Adviser said while addressing leaders of Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami during separate meetings at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday.

He said the interim government had already adopted several measures to guarantee a free, fair and credible election, adding that “many more initiatives will be visible soon.”

According to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s Office, the discussions covered a broad range of national issues, including election preparedness, implementation of the July National Charter, the proposed referendum, and the roadmap for the trial of the July killings.

Seeking collective effort, Professor Yunus urged all political parties, including NCP and Jamaat, to actively participate in ensuring that the upcoming general election becomes peaceful, participatory and widely accepted.

“We want to make this election a celebration of democracy,” he declared.

A four-member NCP delegation, led by 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.

In a separate meeting, a Jamaat delegation led by Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher met with the Chief Adviser. The delegation included Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar and Assistant Secretary Generals ATM Masum and Rafiqul Islam Khan.

Representing the government, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan were present during the meetings.

During talks with the NCP, Nahid Islam underscored the need for a clear and actionable roadmap for the trial of the July killings and the full implementation of the July Charter before the general election. “The government must take strong and transparent steps in this regard,” he emphasised.

In response, Professor Yunus called on the NCP to formally sign the July Charter, describing it as “a valuable national asset” and saying that participation from all political parties was essential for its success. He noted that the National Consensus Commission was already working on the implementation framework of the charter’s provisions.

The NCP convener informed the Chief Adviser that his party had written to the Commission requesting a meeting with its legal experts to discuss related matters.

Later, during the meeting with Jamaat leaders, the party reiterated its demand for holding a referendum on the July Charter before the national polls.

“The referendum is crucial because the charter contains many issues directly tied to the election,” said Dr Taher, adding that holding the referendum on the same day as the election might complicate the voting process.

Despite their reservations, Jamaat leaders expressed full confidence in the Chief Adviser’s leadership and assured their cooperation in maintaining a neutral and peaceful environment during the election period.

In response, Professor Yunus reaffirmed that he would personally oversee all necessary administrative measures to ensure neutrality and public trust, in close coordination with the Election Commission.

“We are committed to upholding neutrality, transparency and public confidence,” he said, stressing that the interim government would spare no effort in creating the conditions necessary for a credible and participatory national election.