Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has said that the referendum and the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) election scheduled for February 12 will mark a highly critical juncture for Bangladesh's democratic future.
He said that in this sensitive period, the role of the Bangladesh Armed Forces is extremely important in ensuring a free, fair, neutral and festive electoral environment.
The Chief Adviser made the remarks while addressing an exchange-of-views meeting with senior officers of the Armed Forces at the Army Headquarters on Monday.
He expressed optimism that, as a symbol of public trust, the Armed Forces-like in the past-will carry out their assigned duties with professionalism, neutrality and responsibility.
Dr Yunus paid deep tribute to the martyrs of the Great Liberation War and the July-August student-mass uprising, and gratefully acknowledged the contribution of the Armed Forces in maintaining peace and stability in the country.
He said the role played by the Armed Forces in controlling the law and order situation in the post-fascist period will remain memorable in the nation's history.
The Chief Adviser noted that the referendum and the national parliamentary election represent a highly significant turning point in Bangladesh's democratic transition.
He said that for a nation long deprived of voting rights, participation in the election will be the ultimate expression of the aspiration shown through the July uprising of '24 to take responsibility for the country's future.
"Through the referendum, people will express their views on shaping the future state system, and through the parliamentary election, they will choose capable representatives to implement those views. Therefore, the importance of this election is far greater than at any time in the past," he said.
He also pointed out that a large segment of young voters will be voting for the first time, while many senior citizens have been deprived of voting rights for a long period. In such a situation, he said, it is the collective responsibility of all to ensure a fear-free and festive voting environment for every voter.
Considering the overall reality of the country, he described the Armed Forces as a crucial partner in fulfilling this responsibility.
Expressing confidence, Professor Yunus said a capable, professional, neutral and people-oriented Bangladesh Armed Forces will successfully shoulder this heavy responsibility and play the most supportive role in delivering a free, fair and festive election to the nation.
He said that a free, fair and acceptable election is the foundation of a democratic state. To ensure that every citizen can exercise their voting rights in a fearless environment, without any influence, the Armed Forces must provide maximum support to the administration and the Election Commission.
Regarding the election, the Chief Adviser gave clear instructions to the top leadership of the Armed Forces, stressing that all decisions at the field level must be lawful, restrained and responsible. He urged the utmost caution so that even the slightest deviation does not undermine public trust.
He further said that this election carries special significance due to the participation of young voters and citizens long deprived of voting rights. Ensuring every citizen's right to vote in a fear-free environment, he said, is a historic responsibility of the state.
He called upon all to move forward collectively towards a peaceful, stable and democratic Bangladesh.
The Chief Adviser also remarked that during the long period of fascist rule, the capabilities of the Bangladesh Armed Forces were neglected. "In a very short time, we have initiated a major transformation of this situation.
Since assuming office, enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces and making them modern and prepared to face any aggression has been one of the top priorities of the interim government," he said.
Dr Yunus said that initiatives are currently underway to establish factories under domestic management for the production of military weapons and equipment to enhance the Armed Forces' self-reliance and capacity.
He added that memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation have already been signed with the Netherlands and Malaysia, while similar agreements are in process with Italy, Japan, Thailand and several other countries.
Once these agreements are concluded, he said, the operational capacity and efficiency of the Armed Forces will increase significantly.
He expressed hope that future elected governments will continue these initiatives to strengthen the Armed Forces.
Upon his arrival at the Helmet Auditorium of the Army Headquarters, the Chief Adviser was received by Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hasan, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, and Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan.
Senior officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with invited guests, were present at the exchange-of-views meeting.
