Dhaka: The Council of Advisers today adopted a formal resolution expressing gratitude to all concerned for their outstanding contribution in holding a successful, historic and festive national election. The advisers approved the resolution at its 61st weekly meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media at the Foreign Service Academy to share outcomes of the meeting. He mentioned that during the meeting, the advisers described the 13th parliamentary elections as “a successful and historic festive election,” while the Chief Adviser thanked all involved for their performance in organizing the polls. Members of the advisory council also individually expressed their appreciation.
The Council of Advisers extended special thanks to Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury for his ministry’s role in the elections, noting that Bangladesh might not have ever witnessed such a better election. They also thanked all law enforcement agencies, including the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, and Ansar, and the Armed Forces for their efforts in making the election successful.
Shafiqul Alam reported that the Council of Advisers approved a vote of thanks to immediate past Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid for his contribution to organizing the elections in a free, fair, peaceful, and festive manner. Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan moved the thanksgiving motion, which the Council approved.
The advisory council observed that this election achieved unprecedented success in many respects. A significant point highlighted was the presence of a strong opposition in parliament, comprising individuals who were victims of enforced disappearance and killings, as well as those who participated in the July Revolution, ensuring broad-based representation of Bangladeshi society.
The advisers noted that, unlike previous elections, no post-election violence against minorities was reported. Religious minority communities and female voters were seen voting in a festive mood without reports of attacks on their homes or properties.
The council praised the extensive use of technology, including body-worn cameras, the ‘Surokkha App,’ and CCTV cameras, in managing the election. Prof Yunus observed that body-worn cameras will now become a key component of election management in Bangladesh, enabling real-time monitoring of voting processes.
The advisory council also commended the interim government’s initiative of introducing postal ballots to involve the Bangladeshi diaspora in the elections. The advisers praised the Election Commission’s firm and independent role in making the election successful, free, fair, and festive.
They noted that this was the least violent election in Bangladesh’s history. By comparison, the 1991 election, following the fall of Ershad, saw violence in 87 polling centers, whereas this election witnessed only marginal incidents.
During the meeting, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury informed that though four deaths were reported during the election time, only one was genuinely related to election violence. Regarding the post-election incident involving a girl in Hatiya, he informed that a probe committee has been formed to investigate thoroughly.
Referring to international election observers, the Council of Advisers noted that all foreign observers, including the EU Election Observer Mission, Commonwealth, International Republican Institute (IRI), and ANFREL, highly praised the polls management.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain informed that foreign ministers from SAARC countries have been invited, along with the foreign minister of Qatar, to join the oath-taking ceremony of the Members of Parliament and cabinet members of the incoming government.
Shafiqul Alam concluded the briefing with the Chief Adviser’s remarks, ‘We are lucky people who got the opportunity to serve the nation.’ He also mentioned that prior to the advisory council meeting, the Cabinet Committee on Pay Scale held its first meeting to discuss various aspects of pay scale implementation.
Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were present at the briefing.