Upcoming election must be made historic and memorable: CA to UNOs

Describing the upcoming post-uprising national election as an opportunity to build a new Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the election must be made memorable by organising it in a beautiful and fair manner.

He made the remarks while providing directions on election preparation to Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) across the country through videoconference from the state guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday (10 December).

All divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and Cabinet Division officials were also connected online.

Addressing the UNOs, the Chief Adviser said, “History has given us a new opportunity. Other generations will not get this chance. If we can make use of it, we will build a new Bangladesh. If we cannot, the nation will stumble.”

The Chief Adviser said the country has witnessed holding elections before, but regarding those held in recent years, he said, “Any sensible person would say—those were not elections but acts of deception.”

He said the upcoming election is not like any other responsibility; rather, it is a historic one. “If we can carry out this duty properly, then the day of the next election will also become a historic day for the people.”

Addressing the UNOs, he said, “If you carry out your responsibilities correctly, the government will be able to fulfill its duties successfully.”

Emphasising the importance of both the election and the referendum, he said the election is for the next five years, while the referendum is for the next hundred years.

Speaking about the referendum, he said, “Through this, we can permanently transform Bangladesh. We can lay the foundation for the new Bangladesh we want to build.”

To the newly appointed UNOs, the Chief Adviser said their primary responsibility is to ensure a peaceful and joyful election.

He advised the UNOs to visit all polling stations in their respective areas and to consult all relevant stakeholders, local residents and colleagues to make preparations for a well-organised election.