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The interim government will soon ask the Election Commission to arrange polls next February, ahead of Ramadan, which will build the foundation of a "new Bangladesh" based on reforms mandated by the July uprising.
Chief Adviser of the post-uprising government Prof Muhammad Yunus made the announcement Tuesday in nationwide televised address marking the first anniversary of the 'July People's Uprising' that toppled the past authoritarian government.
"February is not far off, get down to preparing for the election," he said in his firm words directed towards the political parties, also advising the election aspirants to begin visit their respective constituencies in familiarization campaigns.
And parties, including BNP, wasted no time to hail the affirmative timeline to the new general election in Bangladesh for transition from the interregnum.
The announcement comes exactly one year after the fall of the 15-year-long regime of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which ended following the student-led mass movement triggered by a controversial quota reinstatement. The anti-disparity movement, later known as the July Uprising, culminated on August 5, 2024, forcing top order of the autocratic regime to flee under public pressure and street protests.
"The time has come to pass the torch from this interim government to an elected one," said the Chief Adviser in his address, adding that election preparations would begin immediately and that a formal letter would be sent to the Chief Election Commissioner within next 24 hours.
Reflecting on the past year, Prof Yunus outlined the achievements of his interim administration, which was entrusted with three key mandates: reform, justice, and elections. Since assuming office in August 2024, the government has initiated widespread political and institutional reforms, cracked down on corruption, and revived the ailing economy.
Among the most significant accomplishments, the Chief Adviser highlighted the July Declaration and July Charter-two historic political documents formulated in consultation with over 30 political parties. These documents set out the guiding principles for a new democratic order, focusing on the fair transfer of power, independence of institutions, and protection of citizens' rights.
"This charter is a historic achievement-not only for Bangladesh's political history but also for democratic transformation worldwide," he notes, thanking political leaders and specially acknowledging Professor Ali Riaz for facilitating the political-consensus process.
Professor Yunus also called upon citizens to prepare for what he described as the "most peaceful, joyous, and inclusive election in our history."
He outlines an ambitious electoral vision that includes: (a) facilitating voting rights for expatriate Bangladeshis (b) ensuring women voters feel safe and encouraged to vote (c) promoting youth participation and record voter turnout (d) using technology to gather public feedback via a dedicated election app.
Urging political parties not to exclude youth and women from their manifestos, he said, "Those who transformed Bangladesh can transform the world. Give them the space and opportunity."
He also appealed to families to turn election-day into a festival, encouraging parents to bring children to polling booths and pass on the values of democratic participation.
Notwithstanding the progress, the Chief Adviser warns of attempts to sabotage the upcoming elections. "You all know that a faction is plotting to disrupt the election, both from within and abroad.
"We must ensure they do not succeed in making the election violent."
He stated that the upcoming polls would be the final defeat for fascist elements that previously seized power through electoral manipulation.
Providing updates on legal proceedings, the Chief Adviser said war-crime-style trials for those responsible for the massacres during the July Uprising are already underway.
"These trials are being held transparently and openly, and the people will continue to receive regular updates," he assures, noting that justice for the victims is a key pillar of national healing and accountability.
Highlighting Bangladesh's macroeconomic recovery, the Nobel-laureate economist revealed a number of key economic indicators: inflation got down from 14 per cent, food inflation under 7.0 per cent, with a target of 6.0 per cent by December and the country fetched a record $30.33 billion in remittance in the last fiscal year, stabilising the currency.
"We have stabilized an economy that was on the verge of collapse," said the Chief Adviser, underscoring people's trust and international cooperation as the key to scoring this success.
In a notable policy shift, the interim government announced its intent to focus on the Bay of Bengal as a vital national resource. The Chief Adviser revealed plans to develop a blue economy, increase maritime trade, and promote aquaculture, especially in the coastal belt from Kumira to Teknaf.
He said Chittagong Port's container-handling capacity has already improved under naval management and could soon serve as a regional hub for Nepal, Bhutan, and other neighbours.
In closing, Professor Yunus reminded the nation that flawed and fraudulent elections had historically been the root cause of unrest in Bangladesh-from the Liberation War to the July Uprising. He urges everyone to turn the upcoming election into a turning point.
"No more bloodshed. No more fascism. Let the people decide freely. That's the path to a new Bangladesh."
As the nation prepares for its first fair general election in over a decade, the Chief Adviser's call signals a pivotal moment-marking not only the end of an era but the beginning of a new democratic journey.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com