The interim government on Tuesday ruled out any uncertainty over the February-12 national election, urging the media to scrutinise the motives of individuals spreading confusions about the polls through social media, which it described as part of propaganda.
“There is no uncertainty regarding the election. We are telling you again - the election will be held on February 12, neither a day earlier nor a day later,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.
He said the government is hopeful the election will be “free, fair, peaceful and festive” and that voters across the country will turn out in large numbers. “We are expecting a record turnout.”
Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder echoed the view, saying those claiming uncertainty should clearly explain the grounds and logic behind such assertions.
“You should ask them what the basis of their claims is. If they fail to provide anything logical, it appears they are part of anti-election and anti-democracy propaganda,” Azad said, adding that the government is clarifying its position on the matter every day.
Referring to past elections, Press Secretary Alam said the overall situation is conducive to holding a credible vote. “There are some isolated incidents, but the election will be held in a fair manner,” he said.
Alam said the visible current political interactions on the ground are positive and supportive of the election scheduled for February 12. “We are hopeful that there will be good elections.”
The Press Secretary also said the government is aware of those attempting to create confusion on social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube.
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“We know their pulse and what they did 15–16 years ago. However, everyone is free to express their opinions,” Alam said.
Responding to a question, he said the Election Commission (EC) is fully independent and would comment on election-related issues if necessary. “From our side, we have nothing further to say,” he added.
Alam said the government is extending all necessary cooperation to the EC to ensure that the election remains free, fair, peaceful and festive.
The Press Secretary said the government is placing high importance on the recovery of looted arms.
An officer of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was killed and three others injured during a gun attack by armed criminals while recovering weapons in the hilly area of Jungle Salimpur in Sitakunda on Monday evening. The deceased was identified as Abdul Motaleb, Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) of RAB-7.
“It is a heinous act and we strongly condemn it. There will be stronger combined operations, and all those involved in and instigating the attack will be arrested. Best efforts will be made to recover the looted arms,” Alam said.
Earlier, the Press Secretary briefed the media on the outcomes of the 119th meeting of the National Implementation Committee for Administrative Reforms/Reorganisation (NICAR), which was also the first meeting held during the tenure of the interim government.
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Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad was also present at the briefing.
At the meeting, the government approved a proposal to establish two administrative divisions - the Revenue Policy Division and the Revenue Management Division - aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency in revenue collection and management.
The meeting was held at the state guesthouse Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. A total of 11 proposals related to administrative reorganisation were approved.