Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today discussed the government's preparations for the upcoming national election in February next year with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders. The Chief Adviser and the BNP leaders engaged in detailed discussions about the election preparations during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna this evening, as reported by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BNP delegation included the party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with Standing Committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed. On the government's side, Planning Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul, and Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan were present.
During the meeting, BNP leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring that controversial officials, particularly those involved in election duties during the previous Awami League regime, are not assigned election-related responsibilities this time. They also urged the Chief Adviser to maintain neutrality in administrative reshuffles ahead of the polls.
In response, Chief Adviser Professor Yunus assured the BNP delegation that all transfers and postings before the election would be made under his direct supervision, as he is in charge of the Ministry of Public Administration. He emphasized that officials would be selected based on qualifications for the Deputy Commissioner posts and assigned appropriately before the elections.
"Our duty is to remain neutral. Election is a big event. We will choose the person who is capable of maintaining peace and order here. This process will remain under my supervision. We will do whatever is necessary to ensure a peaceful and impartial election," Professor Yunus stated.
The BNP leaders also expressed concerns about the appointment and transfer process within the police department. Additionally, they congratulated the government for involving political leaders in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and successfully arranging the 'July National Charter 2025' signing ceremony.
Furthermore, the BNP leaders conveyed their deep concern over several recent fire incidents in various establishments across the country, urging an investigation to determine whether these incidents were acts of sabotage.
As part of the ongoing political dialogue, the Chief Adviser is scheduled to meet a delegation from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami tomorrow (Wednesday).