'Victory and defeat both part of democracy': CA urges candidates to accept 12 Feb polls result

Highlights

• Yunus urges candidates to accept election results, win or lose
• 'Let election day be the birthday of a new Bangladesh', he says
• New government to take office immediately after polls
• State will not tolerate violence, chaos or vote manipulation

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called on all contesting candidates to accept the outcome of the upcoming national election on 12 February, regardless of the results.

"I sincerely urge all rival candidates – whatever the election results may be – to rise above personal or party interests and give priority to the greater national interest," he said in a televised address to the nation this evening (10 February).

Yunus stressed that victory is as much a part of democracy as defeat, describing both as inseparable realities of a democratic system. 

He also appealed to all political actors to work together after the election to build a new Bangladesh founded on justice, democracy and inclusiveness.

'Key in your hands, use it wisely'

Yunus urged the nation to make the election day the "birthday of a new Bangladesh", saying that voters themselves will write the history of the country's glorious future.

"Your vote will write the history of Bangladesh's glorious future. Let this election day be the birthday of a new Bangladesh. Let us make this festive election a reality and establish it as a memorable day in history," he said.

Calling on citizens to take ownership of the country's future, the CA encouraged voters to open the door to building a new Bangladesh through their valuable votes, reports UNB.

"The key to the country is in your hands. Use that key wisely. May Allah guide us on the right path," Yunus said.

He emphasised that a vote in the referendum is not merely a stamp on a piece of paper, but a decisive choice that will shape the future of the next generation, the security of families and the overall direction of the nation.

"The decisions you make today will influence education, employment, justice, democracy, and every level of governance. This is a moment when your rights and responsibilities as citizens come together," he said, urging people to actively participate in the referendum. "Cast your vote and secure your future."

"Let us make this historic moment a success through responsibility, awareness, and peaceful participation," he added.

New government to promptly assume office

Once the elections are completed, Yunus said, the elected government will promptly assume office, marking the end of the interim government's responsibilities.

"We will hand over power to the newly elected government with joy and pride, wish them all-out success, and return to our respective work after bidding farewell," Yunus said, adding that the interim government is eagerly waiting for this auspicious moment.

He also urged voters to attend polling stations in groups with their families, in a festive atmosphere, and to exercise their right to vote freely and without hesitation.

Maximum preparations for polls

The CA said the government has taken maximum preparations to ensure a free, fair, neutral and peaceful election, noting that a record number of law-enforcement personnel have been deployed, along with armed forces members vested with magisterial powers, to prevent any disorder or violence. 

He expressed confidence that all would perform their duties properly upholding religious believe, patriotism and dedication.

Yunus said technology is being used on an unprecedented scale, with widespread installation of CCTV cameras, body-worn cameras for polling officials, and the use of drones and dog squads, all aimed at ensuring voters can cast their ballots fearlessly and with dignity.

"We have taken historic steps to make the election more inclusive. For the first time, scope has been created for expatriate Bangladeshis to exercise their franchise," he said, adding, this has expanded the scope of democracy and drawn interest from other countries that are observing Bangladesh's experience on postal voting.  

The CA also noted that postal voting facilities have also been provided to government officials on duty, law-enforcement personnel and eligible citizens in legal custody, demonstrating the state's commitment to include everyone.

"The right to vote is not a kindness of anyone; it is a fundamental right granted to us by our Constitution. Through exercising this right, we decide the path our future will take," he said, adding, ensuring a free and fair election is not only the responsibility of the government, but also every citizen.

CA warns against election violence

Yunus urged the political parties to issue unequivocal instructions to their leaders and activists at all levels, from the center to the grassroots, so that they do not engage in any kind of chaos, violence, intimidation, occupying centers, influencing votes, or in provocative activities and rumour-mongering, either offline or online, saying the state will not tolerate such actions.

"The history teaches us that a flawed, questionable, or violent election ultimately brings no good to anyone. Rather, it brings ruin to the country.

"Those, who have ignored the public's opinion and sought to remain in power through force and irregularities, have all ultimately faced harsh accountability in the court of the people," he said.