Professor Muhammad Yunus met with representatives from seven political parties and an organization at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. September 1, 2025. Photo: PID

By Newsman, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser (CA), Professor Muhammad Yunus, warned on Tuesday (September 2) that certain groups are attempting to destabilize the country to prevent the interim government (IG) from conducting a credible national election.

“Those who do not want the IG to manage the election through to its final stage will obstruct the process in every possible way,” he was quoted as saying. He reaffirmed that the authorities would proceed with the national polls scheduled for the first half of February, said CA Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Yunus spoke at a meeting with representatives from seven political parties and one organization at the state guest house, Jamuna. He emphasized that attempts to “create confusion and sow discord” are already apparent. He urged all parties to stay vigilant and cooperate to ensure a peaceful and festive election.

During the meeting, several parties emphasized the need for electoral reforms to ensure fairness and transparency in the electoral process.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) and other groups informed the Constitutional Assembly that incorporating a proportional representation element and implementing additional reforms are essential for the elections to truly reflect the public’s will. They highlighted that procedural changes are a key demand from smaller political parties.

“This election aims to build the future of Bangladesh. It is a chance for the nation to stand on its own feet and govern independently. There must be no opportunity for any foreign hand to intervene. We seek your full support in ensuring the success of this election,” Shafiqul Alam said, quoting the CA, after the meeting. 

Earlier, Tracey Ann Jacobson, US Acting Ambassador (Chargé d’Affaires) in Dhaka, publicly stated that Washington does not support any particular party or individual in Bangladesh. She was speaking to the media following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasiruddin at the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in the capital’s Agargaon area on September 1.

The US does not support any political party or politician. Jacobson stated that they meet with various parties and politicians to understand their goals and policies. “We don’t endorse any outcome—the decision is up to the people of Bangladesh,” Washington said, seeking a peaceful election that reflects the Bangladeshi people’s aspirations for a thriving democracy.

On the same day, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman paid a courtesy call on CA Muhammad Yunus. The discussions focused on the law-and-order situation and the military’s role in supporting civil administration for next year’s national elections, according to media reports.

The CA requested the army to ensure coordination among security forces for election safety. The army chief advised people to ignore rumors, and the CA expressed gratitude to the military for its contribution to maintaining order.

The EC is training over one million polling and supervisory officials for the upcoming nationwide vote, part of a comprehensive preparedness initiative, BSS reports.

SM Asaduzzaman, Director General of the EC’s Electoral Training Institute (ETI), said that they will be training election officials in 23 roles over the next four months. The primary focus will be on presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, and polling officers.