Bangladesh leader Yunus makes big statement day ahead of election

Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections on February 12 – the first since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in massive countrywide protests in August 2024.

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said his administration would quickly transfer power to the elected government as he urged the people to vote in Thursday’s general elections, calling it a historic, decisive and future-defining moment.

Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections on February 12 – the first since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in massive countrywide protests in August 2024.

“Some days come in the life of every nation that have far-reaching significance, when the future direction of a state, the character and stability of democracy and the fate of future generations are determined,” Yunus said in an address to the nation two days ahead of the polls and the referendum on the implementation of the July Charter.

“The day after tomorrow is just such a day, when two votes are going to be held. We will all together elect a new government and at the same time determine the future structure of our beloved Bangladesh through a referendum,” the Chief Adviser said.

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Yunus said the elected government will quickly assume the responsibility, dismissing rumours that the interim government would not hand over power as “baseless propaganda” aimed at obstructing democratic transition.

“We will hand over the responsibility to the newly elected government with deep pleasure and pride… and return to our own jobs. We ardently await that auspicious moment,” Yunus said.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman has emerged as the forerunner in the upcoming elections, with its longtime ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, being its main rival in the absence of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s now disbanded Awami League, debarred from the fray.

Yunus said since the electoral process started, “we noticed an identified quarter is trying to create suspicion, panic and confusion in the public mind under a design to spread propaganda and misinformation”.

He did not specify the “identified quarter” but said their only aim was to “disrupt the peaceful election atmosphere and weaken people’s trust”.

Yunus, however, previously obliquely accused Hasina’s now disbanded Awami League of spreading misinformation while his government last year disbanded its activities under an executive order and debarred the party from contesting the polls.

“I urge you to be cautious and responsible. Don’t share any information without verification. The main weapon against rumour is cautiousness and truth,” he said.

“The state will not tolerate such behaviour (spread of propaganda) under any circumstances,” he warned.

Yunus asked all political parties to issue firm instructions to their leaders and activists at all levels against engagement in intimidation, violence or any attempt to influence voters during the election process.

“Any move to forcibly take over polling centres, disrupt voting or provoke unrest would not be tolerated,” he warned.

Yunus said the government has taken maximum preparations to ensure a free, fair, neutral and peaceful election, noting that a record number of law-enforcement personnel have been deployed, along with armed forces members vested with magisterial powers, to prevent any disorder or violence.

“Let us all make this historic moment a success through responsibility, awareness and peaceful participation. We will go to the polling station with hope, not fear; with responsibility, not apathy; with the power of unity, not division,” he added.