Is Chief Advisor Yunus Right to Warn About Election Conspiracies?

Dhaka, Sep 3 (NationPress) Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, issued a warning regarding potential conspiracies aimed at undermining the national election scheduled for next year. He reiterated that the elections will proceed as planned in the first half of February 2026, with authority being transferred to the elected government, as reported by local media.

These comments were made by Yunus on Tuesday evening after a meeting with leaders from seven political parties, including the radical Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam, at his official residence, Jamuna, in Dhaka.

“Those opposed to the interim government reaching the electoral phase will seek to obstruct the process by any means necessary,” Yunus was quoted by his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam during the meeting, as reported by The Daily Star.

“Their primary aim will be to disrupt the elections and create conditions in which the elections cannot take place. Signs of such efforts are already apparent,” the Chief Advisor cautioned, adding, “We must remain vigilant.” He emphasized, “The elections will occur in the first half of February. We will hand over power to an elected government.”

Attending the meeting were leaders from various political factions, including Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, Ganosamhati Andolan, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Nagarok Oikya Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Jatiya Gono Front, alongside Hefazat-e-Islam.

Following the discussions, AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju expressed concerns regarding governance and law enforcement in Bangladesh.

Referring to a recent violent incident at Chittagong University involving students and locals, Monju stated, “The Chittagong University situation highlighted a lack of coordination between the government and law enforcement agencies. Without addressing this, doubts about the elections will persist.”

“He (Yunus) mentioned that his team lacks individuals experienced in conducting impartial elections. We suggested bringing in expertise on a contractual basis. The Chief Advisor acknowledged the challenge of any election and emphasized the need for collective action,” Monju further noted.

Moreover, LDP Secretary General Redwan Ahmed insisted that the Yunus administration must guarantee neutrality in the upcoming elections.

Earlier this week, Yunus held separate discussions with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the radical Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP) at his residence, amid significant disagreements among political parties regarding the timing of the elections and necessary reforms.

“There is no alternative to elections. Any thought of a different path could be catastrophic for the nation,” Press Secretary Alam quoted Yunus.

Reports indicate that both Jamaat and NCP have called for the implementation of the July Charter prior to the elections, while the BNP insists that the elections must occur within the designated timeframe, allowing no room for delay.

Bangladesh remains in a state of uncertainty regarding the upcoming general elections since the Awami League government, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was ousted amid violent protests last year.