Awami League lacks capacity to obstruct election: Shafiqul

Awami League does not have the capacity or public support to obstruct the upcoming national election, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said today (9 February).

"We do not see any real presence of the Awami League on the ground. They are largely confined to online platforms," he told reporters while responding to a question after a meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and secretaries at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.

Asked whether law enforcement agencies had been given any special instructions to prevent attempts to disrupt the election, Shafiqul said all necessary preparations had been taken to ensure security and a peaceful environment during the polls.

"Anyone who tries to sabotage the election will face action in accordance with the law," he said.

Referring to incidents last November, the press secretary claimed that the Awami League had attempted to demonstrate strength on the streets but failed. Between 10 and 17 November, there were some isolated acts of violence, including crude bomb explosions, fire on buses, and the killing of a person in Mymensingh, he said.

"However, these incidents did not show any evidence of public support in their favour," he added.

Commenting on the Awami League's programmes, Shafiqul said the party calls rallies where only a few people turn up, take selfies, and then leave.

"Their rallies do not draw crowds. The reality is, they are no longer a party with a presence on the ground," he said.

Expressing optimism about the election atmosphere, he said the government expects a peaceful and festive election in which all voters – men and women, minorities and majorities – will be able to cast their votes without obstruction.

He added that the chief adviser had held detailed discussions with secretaries to ensure the administration's highest level of preparedness for the election, stressing that holding a free, fair and credible poll is the government's sole objective.