Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday sought cooperation from all 'active' political parties to ensure that the national election, scheduled for February next year, is held in a 'peaceful and festive' manner.

“You can be assured of our neutrality. We have already taken various steps to hold the election in a free, fair, and impartial manner. You will see many more initiatives in the days ahead,” he said.

The Chief Adviser gave this assurance as leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) met him separately at the State Guest House Jamuna.

Prof Yunus assured both parties that the interim government would take all necessary measures to ensure that the upcoming national election is neutral and fair.

During the meetings, they discussed overall preparations for the upcoming general election and various steps taken by the government.

They also exchanged views on the implementation of the 'July National Charter', the proposed referendum and the roadmap for the trial of July killings.

A four-member delegation of the NCP, led by its Convener Nahid Islam, was the first to meet the Chief Adviser.

The other members of the delegation were Sarjis Alam, Samanta Sharmin and Khaled Saifullah.

Later, a four-member Jamaat delegation, led by Naib-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Taher, held a separate meeting with Prof Yunus.

The other members of the Jamaat team were Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar, and Assistant Secretaries General ATM Masum and Rafiqul Islam Khan.

Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, and Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan were present at both the meetings on behalf of the interim government.

During the meeting, Nahid Islam said, “We want a roadmap for the trial of the July killings and assurance of the implementation of the July Charter before the elections. The government must take firm steps in this regard.”

At that point, the Chief Adviser urged the NCP leaders to sign the July Charter, saying, “This Charter is a valuable asset for the nation, and everyone’s participation is important.”

He also assured the NCP that the National Consensus Commission is working on the mechanism for implementing the Charter.

Nahid informed the Chief Adviser that the NCP had already sent a letter to the Commission, seeking discussions with legal experts associated with the Consensus Commission.

Immediately after the NCP meeting, the Jamaat delegation met the Chief Adviser.

They demanded a referendum on the July Charter before the national election.

“A referendum is necessary before the national elections because there are many issues in the July Charter that are directly related to the polls,” Dr Abdullah Muhammad Taher said during the meeting.

"If a referendum is held on the same day as the national elections, there is a risk of prolonging the voting process," he added.

The party leaders also said Jamaat has full confidence in any decision taken by the Chief Adviser to ensure the impartiality of the election administration.

The Chief Adviser told the NCP and Jamaat leaders that he would personally supervise any administrative reshuffle before the elections.

He also assured them that all necessary steps would be taken in coordination with the Election Commission.