Election Not Just a Promise, It's Happening in February: Chief Advisor

Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus has once again reaffirmed that the upcoming national parliamentary election will be held in February next year, emphasizing that it is no longer just a political promise, but a firm commitment. Speaking at a meeting with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday evening, ahead of the July Charter signing ceremony, Professor Yunus stated that the election would be held in a festive and inclusive environment.

He noted that the organization of the election and the July Charter are deeply interconnected, and that the government must remain steadfast in its previous commitments. He asserted that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the election becomes a true celebration of democracy, leaving no room for compromise. Addressing leaders of various political parties, the Chief Advisor highlighted the importance of collective responsibility. He said that just as the Charter was drafted through united efforts, the government now carries the duty to ensure the election reflects that same unity. He stressed that questions regarding the country's transition process have already been answered through the Charter and that this transition must now be completed in a satisfactory manner.

The Chief Advisor expressed his government’s full intention to transform the political agreements into reality through the electoral process. He expressed hope that this upcoming election will serve as a vehicle to translate the vision of the Charter into practical outcomes, and assured that on Friday, this vision would be formally shared with the entire nation.

The meeting was attended by prominent political figures representing a range of parties, who engaged in detailed discussions with the Chief Advisor and the National Consensus Commission. The event began with a welcome address by Professor Ali Riaz, Vice President of the Commission, and was moderated by Monir Haydar, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor.

Professor Yunus praised the spirit of cooperation that led to the drafting of the July Charter, calling it a monumental achievement not just for Bangladesh but for political history worldwide. He described the Charter as the natural continuation of the student uprising, noting that the reform long spoken of is now finally being realized. He announced that the pens used to sign the document would be preserved in a national museum, symbolizing the historic importance of this event.

He added that the contents of the Charter will be simplified and shared with the public so that people understand the reasons behind the national consensus. Discussions and debates that shaped the Charter will be recorded and published in both video and written form, preserving them as valuable resources for future generations.

Looking ahead to the signing ceremony on October 17, Professor Yunus said it would be a moment of national unity and joy. He emphasized that although political leaders will sign the document in person, the people of Bangladesh are signing it with them in spirit. According to him, this moment will stand as a lasting milestone in the nation's history.