Yunus Vows Free, Fair Polls to NCP and Jamaat

Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus today assured delegations from the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami that the interim government would take all necessary steps to ensure a free, fair, and impartial national election in February. Meeting separately with both parties at the State Guest House, Jamuna, CA stressed the government's neutrality and promised further initiatives for a credible poll.

Professor Yunus sought cooperation from all political parties to make the election peaceful and festive. Discussions extended beyond election preparations to include the implementation of the July National Charter, the proposed referendum, and the roadmap for the trial of the July killings.

NCP's Demands: Convener Nahid Islam demanded a clear roadmap for the trial of the July killings and a guarantee for the Charter's implementation before the election. The CA, in turn, urged the NCP to sign the Charter, calling it a "valuable asset," and assured them the National Consensus Commission was actively working on its implementation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Demands: Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher demanded a referendum on the July Charter be held before the national election, arguing that holding it on the same day would prolong the voting process.

Muhammad Yunus the Chief Advisor told both delegations he would personally oversee any administrative reshuffles and coordinate with the Election Commission to ensure neutrality ahead of the polls.