Dhaka: Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan on Thursday called upon all eligible voters to turn out in large numbers to ensure a high voter turnout in the national election. “Everyone should vote so that we can record a high voter turnout this time,” he said after casting his ballot at the Baridhara Scholars International School and College polling centre in the capital.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Air Force Chief described the day as a long-awaited one for the people of Bangladesh. He emphasized the importance of a free and fair election, expressing hope that this parliamentary election would fulfill the nation’s aspirations for a return to democracy. “We wanted a free and fair election. We wanted to return to the path of democracy. Through this parliamentary election, InshaAllah, our aspirations are being fulfilled,” he remarked.
Hasan Mahmood Khan reported receiving updates from across the country since morning and expressed satisfaction with the election’s conduct, noting that it had exceeded expectations in terms of fairness. He appreciated the efforts of the interim government and the Election Commission in organizing the polls, reminiscing about the festive atmosphere reminiscent of the elections he witnessed in his childhood.
The Air Force Chief expressed hope for a smooth conclusion to the voting process, highlighting the nation’s expectation for a credible election. He emphasized that those elected through the vote counting would carry forward the people’s hopes for a new Bangladesh.
He also mentioned that the Air Force, along with other branches of the armed forces, has been deployed where necessary, working in coordination with the civil administration to ensure security. Aerial monitoring is being conducted in various regions, particularly in remote and hilly areas, including the Chattogram Hill Tracts, to maintain overall security during the election.