Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday assured leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami that the interim government will take all necessary steps to ensure free, fair, and impartial national elections in February next year.
“You can remain confident about our neutrality. We have already taken several measures to hold a free, fair and credible election, and you will soon see many more initiatives,” Professor Yunus said during separate meetings with delegations from both parties at the State Guest House, Jamuna, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
The meetings also covered the government’s overall preparations for the upcoming polls, implementation of the July National Charter, the proposed referendum, and the roadmap for the trial of the July killings.
The four-member NCP delegation was led by Convener Nahid Islam, while the four-member Jamaat delegation was led by Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, and Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan represented the government in the discussions.
During the meeting, NCP leaders sought a clear roadmap for the trial of the July killings and guarantees for the implementation of the July Charter before the election. The Chief Adviser urged the party to sign the Charter and assured them that the National Consensus Commission is actively working on its implementation.
The Jamaat leaders requested that a referendum on the July Charter be held prior to the national election, citing potential delays if held on the same day. They also expressed confidence in the Chief Adviser’s measures to maintain administrative neutrality during the election.
Professor Yunus assured both delegations that he would personally oversee any administrative reshuffles before the polls and coordinate closely with the Election Commission to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.
