Bangladesh chief adviser urges armed forces to ensure fair February elections

ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has instructed the country’s Armed Forces to carry out their duties with professionalism, neutrality and coordination among institutions to ensure participatory, fear-free, and fair national elections in February, state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported on Monday.

The instruction was given during a views exchange meeting with senior Armed Forces officials on preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum-2026, held at the Helmet Auditorium of the Army Headquarters in Dhaka.

Upon his arrival, Professor Yunus was received by Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Armed Forces Division Principal Staff Officer Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, the report said.

At the outset of the meeting, the chief adviser highlighted what he described as the “glorious and responsible role” played by the Armed Forces in meeting national needs and expressed his “sincere thanks and gratitude” for their role in maintaining law and order with patience and professionalism over a prolonged period.

Elections 2026
The meeting focused on key and contemporary issues related to the conduct of the elections, with detailed discussions held on ensuring a secure and orderly environment during the electoral process, the report said.

Senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force attended the views exchange meeting, along with invited guests and members of the media, BSS reported.

Bangladesh is preparing to hold its 13th parliamentary election alongside a national referendum in 2026, a process that authorities have said will emphasize transparency, inclusiveness and public confidence in democratic institutions, according to previous official statements cited by BSS.