Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has issued a stark warning, saying that "some signs" are now visible of an effort to create unrest and sabotage the upcoming national election, urging all political forces to remain vigilant and united.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with leaders of seven political parties at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday, Yunus said, "Those who do not want this interim government to reach election day will try every possible way to obstruct it. They will attempt to disrupt the very foundation of Bangladesh. They will do their utmost to derail the election process, and we are already seeing early signs of such attempts. More may follow. Therefore, we must remain alert."
The Chief Adviser reaffirmed the interim government’s firm commitment to holding the election in the first half of February 2026, after which power will be handed over to the elected government.
Following the meeting, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam shared the Chief Adviser’s key messages at a press briefing held outside Yunus’s residence.
Yunus emphasised that this upcoming election is not just another electoral exercise, it is a historic opportunity to rebuild the nation’s democratic fabric.
"This is not merely an election under an interim government. This is the election of all the people of Bangladesh, of all political parties. The aspiration behind this election is to build a new, forward-looking Bangladesh," he said.
He described the poll as a moment for the nation to "run the country in our own way and gain the courage to stand on our own feet." He stressed that no foreign interference should be allowed, calling on all parties to safeguard the sovereignty of the electoral process.
"We want this election to be joyful, festive, and inclusive," Yunus said. "We must ensure a positive experience for first-time voters, for those who have never been able to cast their ballots, and for those who have faced fear or frustration at the polls in the past. No one should ever say, ‘I was not allowed to vote.’"
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, the Chief Adviser urged political parties to rise above division.
"There will be obstacles at every step. They will try to sow confusion and conflict in our minds. But we must stay on the right path. We must remain steadfast. And above all, we must cooperate."
He invited all parties to contribute ideas and suggestions to ensure a fair, peaceful, and participatory election.
"We seek your full support in organizing this election not as a contest of power, but as a celebration of democracy."
The meeting marks a critical step in building political consensus ahead of the crucial 2026 polls, as the interim government intensifies efforts to ensure a credible and inclusive electoral process.