ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh’s interim government has asserted its full preparedness for the upcoming national elections, even as questions over India’s role and regional diplomacy dominate public debate ahead of the high-stakes polls.
Speaking exclusively to Pakistan TV, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, said the administration has taken extensive measures to ensure elections are free, fair, peaceful, and credible. Nearly one million security personnel will be deployed nationwide, vulnerable polling stations have been identified, and around 90 percent of voting centres are now connected to a digital monitoring app to ensure transparency. Alam expressed confidence that high voter turnout would reflect growing public trust in the interim setup.
On Indian interference, Alam pushed back strongly, accusing sections of Indian media of spreading misinformation. He emphasized that the interim government has no political affiliations and is solely focused on conducting neutral elections, contrasting the process with polls held during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, which he described as deeply flawed and restrictive. According to Alam, international scrutiny and public expectations have made electoral credibility a top priority for Dhaka.
On Bangladesh-India relations, Alam stressed the need for ties based on mutual respect and equity. He said Bangladesh seeks balanced foreign relations while expanding trade, enhancing regional connectivity, and reviving South Asian cooperation under SAARC.
Alam also highlighted warming Bangladesh-Pakistan ties, noting a significant rise in bilateral trade and the expected resumption of direct flights, which he said could further boost people-to-people contact and economic cooperation.
.jpg)