The Tamesis
February 11, 2026
Dhaka – Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called on all political parties to issue firm instructions to leaders and activists from the national level to the grassroots to ensure that no one engages in rioting, violence, intimidation or any attempt to influence voters during the electoral process.
“The country will not tolerate any forcible takeover of voting centers, disruption of voting or provocation of riots,” he said in a televised address to the nation at 7:00 p.m.
The chief adviser also warned against the spread of misinformation, especially on social media platforms, saying rumors and fabricated content could undermine public confidence and fuel instability.
“The state will not tolerate this kind of behavior under any circumstances,” he said.
Professor Yunus said the interim government is committed to ensuring a peaceful, credible and participatory electoral environment and expects political forces to show responsibility and restraint.
Yunus rejected suggestions that the interim government would not hand over power after the vote, calling such claims “baseless propaganda.”
“Power will be transferred to elected representatives immediately,” he assured.
He stressed that maintaining order during the polls was a collective obligation and urged political parties to create an atmosphere in which voters could exercise their franchise without fear or pressure.
“Elections must be held in a calm and secure environment so that people can vote freely,” he added, reiterating that any attempt to undermine the electoral process would face firm action from the authorities.
Calling the moment historic, Yunus said the country is at a crossroads that will determine its future.
“There are certain days in a nation’s life that are profound. They determine the country’s direction, the sustainability of its democracy and the destiny of future generations,” he said.
“The day after tomorrow is one such day, when there will be two votes – one to form a new government and another to decide the future structure of the Bangladeshi state.”
He said that this election and referendum were the fulfillment of the nation’s long-cherished aspirations and acknowledged the sacrifices behind them.
“Both the elections and the referendum would have been impossible without the sacrifices of the people, especially the July fighters. The country is forever grateful to them,” he said.
Yunus expressed satisfaction that the overall campaign environment was more peaceful than in previous elections and praised political parties, candidates and the public for exercising restraint despite ideological differences.
“This environment is the result of collective responsibility,” he said.
However, he also expressed sadness at the violence that occurred after the election calendar was announced, which claimed many lives during the campaign.
“Such violence shocks the national conscience. The loss of life in the practice of democracy is unacceptable to any civilized country,” he said.
The chief adviser said a record 51 political parties are participating in the election, with more than 2,000 candidates including independents, making it one of the most competitive polls in Bangladesh’s history.
He urged candidates to put national interests ahead of personal or party considerations regardless of the outcome.
“Victory and defeat are both part and parcel of democracy. After the elections, everyone must work together to build a new, just, democratic and inclusive Bangladesh,” he said.
Highlighting the role of women, Yunus said they have been at the forefront of every major movement from the Liberation War to the July Intifada and continue to drive the economy and foreign exchange earnings.
“This election marks a new beginning for women who have long been denied the opportunity to have a voice in national decision-making,” he said.
He addressed young voters, calling the vote their first real political expression and urging them to vote bravely.
He said the government was ready to ensure free, fair, neutral and peaceful elections, including deploying a record number of law enforcement officers and members of the armed forces with executive powers.
“CCTV cameras were installed extensively for the first time, polling officials used body cameras, and drones and dog teams were deployed for security and surveillance,” he said.
Regarding the referendum, Yunus said that every vote will affect the future of governance, justice, education, employment and national administration for generations.
The Chief Adviser concluded his remarks by calling on citizens to turn polling day into a celebration of democracy.
“Do not hesitate to exercise your right to vote and help open the door to a new Bangladesh. The key to the country’s future lies in the hands of the people,” he said.
