Dhaka, February 10 Bangladesh's interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, said on Tuesday that his administration would quickly transfer power to the elected government, urging the people to vote in Thursday's general elections, which he described as a historic, decisive, and future-defining moment.
Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections on February 12 – the first since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in massive nationwide protests in August 2024.
"There are certain moments in the life of every nation that have far-reaching significance, when the future direction of a state, the character and stability of democracy, and the fate of future generations are determined," Yunus said in an address to the nation two days ahead of the polls and the referendum on the implementation of the July Charter.
"The day after tomorrow is such a day, when two votes will be held. We will all elect a new government and, at the same time, determine the future structure of our beloved Bangladesh through a referendum," the Chief Adviser said.
Yunus said the elected government would quickly assume responsibility, dismissing rumors that the interim government would not hand over power as "baseless propaganda" aimed at obstructing the democratic transition.
"We will hand over the responsibility to the newly elected government with deep pleasure and pride, and return to our own jobs. We eagerly await this auspicious moment," Yunus said.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, has emerged as the frontrunner in the upcoming elections, with its longtime ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, being its main rival in the absence of the now-disbanded Awami League, led by deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, which is barred from participating.
Yunus said that since the electoral process began, "we have noticed that a certain group is trying to create suspicion, panic, and confusion in the public's mind, under a design to spread propaganda and misinformation."
He did not specify the "certain group," but said their only aim was to "disrupt the peaceful election atmosphere and weaken people's trust."
Yunus had previously obliquely accused Hasina's now-disbanded Awami League of spreading misinformation, while his government last year disbanded its activities under an executive order and debarred the party from contesting the polls.
"I urge you to be cautious and responsible. Do not share any information without verification. The main weapon against rumor is caution and truth," he said.
"The state will not tolerate such behavior (spreading propaganda) under any circumstances," he warned.
Yunus asked all political parties to issue firm instructions to their leaders and activists at all levels against intimidation, violence, or any attempt to influence voters during the election process.
"Any attempt to forcibly take over polling centers, disrupt voting, or provoke unrest will not be tolerated," he warned.
Yunus said the government has taken maximum preparations to ensure a free, fair, neutral, and peaceful election, noting that a record number of law-enforcement personnel, along with armed forces members vested with magisterial powers, have been deployed to prevent any disorder or violence.
"Let us all make this historic moment a success through responsibility, awareness, and peaceful participation. We will go to the polling station with hope, not fear; with responsibility, not apathy; with the power of unity, not division," he added.
