Yunus Sees Global Confidence Returning to Bangladesh Polls

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the strong presence of international observers from different countries reflects renewed global confidence in Bangladesh’s democratic process, as the country prepares for the national election and referendum scheduled for February 12.

Expressing satisfaction over the peaceful election campaign nationwide, Prof Yunus said the interest shown by foreign observers also demonstrates the international community’s serious engagement with the twin polls. He expressed optimism that the upcoming vote would be free, fair, peaceful and festive.

“We expect this election to be better than any the country has witnessed in the past,” he said while speaking at a get-together with senior secretaries and secretaries of the government. Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid presided over the event.

Prof Yunus noted that a large number of observers are arriving from various countries, indicating that confidence in Bangladesh’s democracy has been restored. He contrasted this with previous elections, which he said lacked credibility and failed to attract prominent international observers, describing those polls as a “mockery” in the name of elections.

He observed that there has so far been no significant tension surrounding the vote, with political parties conducting campaigns peacefully across the country. Large public gatherings, he said, have taken place without violence or disorder, reflecting a responsible role played by political actors.

Referring to the referendum, Prof Yunus said a ‘Yes’ vote would bring fundamental change to the country and ensure that misgovernance does not return. “If the ‘Yes’ vote wins, Bangladesh’s future will be built in a more positive way,” he said.

The Chief Adviser said the forthcoming election, together with the referendum, would bring unprecedented change to Bangladesh’s political structure. With only days remaining, he said the country is close to reaching its destination of a credible and peaceful election.

Looking ahead, Prof Yunus said Bangladesh would continue to move forward and attract global investors, highlighting the country’s young population as a vast and powerful resource. He said foreign investors are expected to establish factories and expand production in Bangladesh.

Referring to the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement, he said it would encourage many foreign companies to set up operations in the country. Describing the agreement as the first of its kind, he added that it should serve as a model as Bangladesh pursues more free trade and preferential trade agreements to open new opportunities for the economy and local products.

Prof Yunus also highlighted that expatriate Bangladeshis have, for the first time, been formally included in the political process. Their role in past political movements is now being fully recognised, he said, allowing them to play a stronger role in national affairs.

He underscored the extensive use of technology in the election, saying it has made the process more accessible and transparent. A mobile app has been developed to guide voters, while election-related applications are being used to monitor security at nearly 43,000 polling centres. Initiatives such as ‘Election Bondhu’, body-worn cameras for around 25,700 law enforcement personnel, and CCTV installation at polling centres have also been introduced.

Thanking the secretaries for their performance over the past 18 months, Prof Yunus said their cooperation had been crucial in implementing around 130 ordinances during the period, contributing significantly to the government’s work.