Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday urged senior police officers to uphold their highest level of responsibility and sincerity as the country moves toward what he described as a ‘historic, festive and peaceful’ national election, one that will go beyond the ‘traditional’ election.

“This is not an ordinary election. It will be a post-uprising election, different from all traditional elections. Through this election, a new Bangladesh will emerge,” he said, underscoring the importance of the next three months.

Prof Yunus made the remarks while addressing the Superintendents of Police (SPs) from all 64 districts, along with other senior police officials, at the Chief Adviser’s Office.

The national election is scheduled to be held in the first half of February next year.
Speaking about the role of SPs in ensuring a festive and peaceful election environment, Prof Yunus stressed the need for carrying out duties with utmost precision and without mistakes.

He said the government is committed to building a stronger institutional structure, one that will never falter.

Prof Yunus also briefly reflected on previous controversial elections, mentioning that the police have the opportunity to help bring about positive change by acting without bias.
“It is a historic responsibility,” the Chief Adviser added.

Prof Yunus called on the SPs to play a role in holding an acceptable election, pointing out that the next election is a historic responsibility for everyone and encouraged them to take the responsibility as a challenge.

He said through the uprising they dreamt of a new Bangladesh, and through the upcoming election, they aim to carry that dream forward.

Prof Yunus said a referendum will also be held simultaneously during the upcoming general election, which will serve as the basis for building the Bangladesh of the future.
Prof Yunus said many delegations and election observers from abroad will come in the upcoming elections.

The Superintendents of Police should work towards this so that they can present this election as a wonderful example to the whole world, he said.

The Chief Adviser said they have all seen the past elections - some call it a farce election, some call it a fraud. "We have to rise above that and create a new standard."
Prof Yunus mentioned that bringing about that change is the major responsibility of the police force.

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He emphasised the initiative and creativity of the officers in making the upcoming elections fair, saying, "Not everything can be written on paper. While performing your duties, you should think about how to do the job more efficiently."

Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, among others, was present.