Yunus seeks cooperation to ensure fair, festive elections
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday sought cooperation from all political parties to hold the forthcoming general elections in a free, fair and festive manner.
"It is the responsibility of all of us - the government, the Election Commission, and political parties - to ensure that this year's elections are held in a fair and festive atmosphere. I seek cooperation of all political parties in this regard," he said.
The Chief Adviser made the remarks at a meeting with a four-member delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP) led by its Convener Nahid Islam at the State Guest House Jamuna here this evening, said the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
The delegation members also included NCP Central Election Management Committee Chairman Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Secretary Monira Sharmin and head of the legal assistance subcommittee Jahirul Islam Musa.
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb were present at the meeting.
During the meeting, NCP leaders shared their observations and expressed various concerns regarding the election.
They said that NCP leaders and activists at all levels are campaigning in favor of a "Yes" vote in the referendum.
The NCP leaders also drew the Chief Adviser's attention to several election-related issues and urged the government to be proactive in ensuring a level playing field in the election.
Prof Yunus urged the NCP leaders to inform the government immediately about any complaints or suggestions related to the election, saying the government will take necessary measures in this regard.
"Steps will be taken so that no one can violate the law," he said.
Noting that the field administration has been reshuffled through a lottery system to ensure neutrality, the Chief Adviser said, "There is no scope for any bias in this election. This election will determine the country's fate. This election will change the country. This election must be fair."
Stating that most of the polling centres will be brought under CCTV camera coverage by this month, he said officials assigned to centres considered at risk will be equipped with body-worn cameras while all things will be monitored from a control room.
About the referendum, Prof Yunus said the government is campaigning in favor of the "Yes" vote in the referendum in a lawful manner.
"We are trying to explain to the people why it is necessary to vote 'Yes' in the referendum and what will happen if they vote 'Yes'. We have also called upon all political parties in this regard," he added.
Source: BSS