Chandpur: Finance, Science, and Technology Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, today called on the citizens to support efforts aimed at ensuring that the forthcoming general election is conducted freely and fairly. “We want good, dedicated, and people-oriented representatives to come through the voting process,” he emphasized while addressing the media.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Ahmed highlighted the necessity of reforms to ensure judicial independence, speedy trials, and the maintenance of law and order. He made these comments following the inauguration of a referendum campaign, voter motivation program, and ‘Voter Gari’ at Hasan Ali Government High School ground in Chandpur.
When questioned about concerns regarding the upcoming election, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed dismissed fears, asserting, “Why won’t voting take place? There is no political pressure now. No particular party will be able to come to power by using money.” He also provided a positive update on the nation’s economic status, noting an increase in the foreign exchange reserve from $18 billion to $32 billion over the past year and a half.
Dr. Ahmed addressed issues of previous economic mismanagement, mentioning that rampant corruption and money laundering had once jeopardized the economy. “We have tried to pull the economy back from that critical situation. Within just one and a half years, the present government has brought the economy back from the edge of collapse,” he stated.
Following the inauguration of the ‘Voter Gari,’ Dr. Ahmed, accompanied by government officials, toured the referendum stalls at the venue, engaging with voters. Earlier, he served as the chief guest at a view-exchange meeting held at the Sadar Upazila Auditorium, organized by the district administration to boost the referendum and encourage voter participation.
Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Md. Nazmul Islam Sarkar presided over the meeting, with Sadar UNO S.M. N Jamiul Hikma conducting the proceedings. Special guests included Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Md Abdur Rahman Khan and Chandpur Police Super Md. Rabiul Hasan.