Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday urged all concerned to unite and work for the success of the upcoming election and the country, irrespective of victory or defeat in the election, scheduled for February 12.

“We must hold a fair election under any circumstances. Please inform us of any urgent information, complaint or opinion related to the election. We will immediately bring it to the attention of the Election Commission. If the government needs to take any action, we will do so,” he said.

Prof Yunus made the remarks when a four-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami met him in the evening.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman led the delegation at the meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna.

Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Mia Golam Parwar and Rafiqul Islam Khan were present.

Advisers Dr Wahid Uddin Mahmud, Adilur Rahman Khan and Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan attended the meeting.

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“This election and the referendum must be held successfully. No matter what anyone says, the election will be held on February 12. This will not be a random election. It is the collective responsibility of the government, the Election Commission and political parties to ensure a fair and festive electoral atmosphere. We seek the cooperation of all political parties in this regard,” the Chief Adviser said.

Various election-related issues were discussed during the meeting.

The Jamaat leaders said their election campaign would begin in full swing from January 22 and that the party had already started campaigning for a 'Yes' vote in the referendum.

They said two campaigns would run simultaneously from that date.

The Jamaat leaders also drew the Chief Adviser’s attention to several election-related concerns, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

Regarding election security, Prof Yunus said polling centres would soon be brought under CCTV surveillance, with most centres to be covered. The installations are expected to be completed by late January.

He said officials at sensitive centres would be equipped with body cameras, and all activities would be monitored from a central control room.

The footage would be recorded to allow immediate action in case of any untoward incident.

Addressing questions about the legality of the government’s campaign for a 'Yes' vote in the referendum, the Chief Adviser said the matter had been reviewed in consultation with all relevant authorities and that no legal obstacles were found.

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He said the interim government, formed through a mass uprising, has a responsibility to support reforms.

Prof Yunus also said steps would be taken to resolve local-level disputes during the election through consultations involving representatives of all political parties and relevant stakeholders.

A dedicated hotline will remain operational during the election period to receive all types of complaints.