“We want a peaceful and democratic country which will be a model country for the whole world. It’s our aim. It’s our commitment to have a free, fair and transparent election acceptable to all,” he said.

The adviser was addressing the launching ceremony of a campaign by Democracy International (DI) at the Celebrity Hall of Bangabandhu International Convention Centre (BICC) with a slogan ‘Bangladesh will win if peace wins.’

BNP standing committee member Dr Moyeen Khan, US ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Alison Blake and Chief of Party for DI in Bangladesh Katie Croake, among others, spoke.

HT Imam expressed his optimism over a peaceful and festive election to the countrymen saying the government will not deviate from its commitment.

He urged all to refrain from spreading all kinds of false propaganda but to tell truth and laid emphasis on practicing these.

The adviser highlighted government’s supports in introducing transparent ballot box, voter list with photos and stopping use of “money and muscles” in the elections and stopping showdowns while submission of nominations and introduction of black and white posters instead of expensive color posters.

He said many did not support it but the government supported it for a better elections system in the country. 

Moyeen Khan laid emphasis on transparency and accountability saying these are absolutely important for any democracy.

He said though peace is the central element without justice there cannot be any peace in the country.

The BNP leader sought a peaceful political environment where everyone will be able to express their views and right to vote. “It’s not enough to have peace only.”

He said there must be social and political justice. “Let’s us work together hands in hand and together we can make it done.” 

US Ambassador Bernicat said a free, fair and inclusive election is important for a democracy, especially for the one which is on track to become a middle-income country. “Together, we can contribute to a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh.”

The US Ambassador said political parties must accept their rivals as legitimate participations in the political process and as potential leaders of the next government, even when they disagree on issues or policies. 

"It's essential that Bangladeshis urge nonviolence by all actors at every stage of the democratic process, before, during, and after the elections," Bernicat said.

British High Commissioner Blake said now is the time for all political leaders who say no to violence to come together to support this campaign to win with peace. “All of us want peace. If peace wins, the world wins; if peace wins, Bangladesh wins.”

She said the people of Bangladesh believe that peaceful elections and politics will lead to a brighter future for everyone in Bangladesh. “We have all come together here today because we share that hope.”

Blake said the UK strongly reaffirms commitment to supporting democracy globally, working with all their partners. 

“Violence and disorder should not be a part of politics or elections; and that the victims of violence or disorder are not just the politically active or groups of opposing muscle but that it affects the rights and lives of the innocent bystanders and including minorities, women, and marginalized communities,” she said. 

Democracy International brought together 400 Awami League and BNP leaders to inaugurate `Shantite Bijoy’ Campaign’, a national campaign ahead of the next national election, seeking peace centering the polls. 

The political leaders came on one platform and pledged for nonviolent and peaceful elections.  

The atmosphere was festive at the national launch of the Shantite Bijoy (Win with Peace) campaign with enthusiastic participation by the grassroots and central political leaders at BICC. 

At the launch, political leaders from 40 districts, including senior district leaders of Awami League and BNP, stood with their central leadership in support of peace and harmony, and together vowed against violence. 

Speakers expressed the hope for peaceful and participatory polls.

This campaign engages and raises awareness among registered political parties of Bangladesh and candidates in the upcoming national elections in favour of peaceful elections and tolerant politics. 

The programme began with singing the national anthem. A documentary was also screened on the occasion.