Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday directed the armed forces to remain on high alert to help ensure a free, fair, impartial and acceptable referendum and 13th national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12.
Speaking at a view-exchange meeting with senior military officers at Army Headquarters, he said the upcoming referendum and parliamentary polls marked a critical juncture for Bangladesh’s democratic future, underscoring the armed forces’ key role in maintaining a fear-free and festive electoral environment.
“As a symbol of public trust, the armed forces will, as in the past, discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, impartiality and accountability,” he said.
The chief adviser paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and the July–August student uprising, recalling the armed forces’ contribution to maintaining peace and stability. He said their role in restoring law and order in the post-fascist period would be remembered in national history.
Describing the polls as unprecedented in significance, Professor Yunus said the vote would be the final expression of long-suppressed public aspirations that emerged through the July 24 uprising. “Through the referendum, people will express their views on the future state system, and through the parliamentary election they will choose representatives to implement that mandate,” he said.
He noted that many young voters would be voting for the first time, while many elderly citizens had been disenfranchised for years, making it imperative to ensure a safe and celebratory voting environment. “In this context, the armed forces are an indispensable partner,” he said, expressing confidence in their ability to fulfil the responsibility.
Stressing that free, fair and acceptable elections are the foundation of a democratic state, the chief adviser said the administration and the Election Commission must receive maximum support so every citizen can vote without fear or influence.
He instructed senior military leaders to ensure that all field-level decisions remain lawful, restrained and responsible, warning that even minor deviations could undermine public trust.
Professor Yunus also highlighted recent initiatives to enhance the armed forces’ capabilities, saying the interim government had prioritised modernisation and self-reliance. He said steps were underway to establish defence manufacturing facilities, while defence cooperation agreements had been signed with the Netherlands and Malaysia, with similar agreements in progress with Italy, Japan and Thailand.
He expressed hope that future elected governments would continue these initiatives.
The chief adviser was received at the Helmet Auditorium by Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hasan, Air Chief Marshal Hassan Mahmud Khan and Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hasan. Senior officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with invited guests, were present.
