No force can block February election: Govt

The government remains firm in its plan to hold the next national election in early February 2026, saying no force in the world can stand in the way of the polls, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Sunday.

“In today’s meeting, it was also said that the election will be held in the first half of February under any circumstances. There is no force in the world that can stop this election. All necessary preparations in this regard are being taken,” he told a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy here after a high-level meeting of the government.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus presided over the meeting on the law and order situation at the State Guest House Jamuna.

Ten advisers, including Home Affairs Jahangir Chowdhury Alam, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Power and Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan and LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, CA’s Special Assistant for Home Affairs Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, Principal Secretary Md. Siraj Uddin Miah and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam, among others, took part in the meeting.

The meeting reviewed the overall law-and-order situation in the wake of recent incidents and took a number of decisions in this regard.

Raising the decisions, Shafiqul Alam said the meeting directed that the local administration be more proactive in dealing with the incidents that are taking place. “Strict directives were given in today’s meeting (to present such incidents).”

He said the meeting emphasised the need for upholding and strengthening the political unity, built since 2024 July through maintaining closer ties among the political parties. “All should stay alert so that no unlawful or security-related disruptions worsen the situation centring the upcoming election,” he said.

The Chief Adviser directed the authorities concerned to intensify monitoring against illegal sudden processions and gatherings, and take stern legal action against those orchestrating such illegal activities.

Prof Yunus said different types of conspiracies may be hatched during the upcoming Durga Puja to destabilise the situation.

Recalling last year’s positive law and order experience during the festival, he stressed early and comprehensive security measures to prevent any disorder during the Durga Puja.

The meeting decided that the Religious Affairs Ministry will soon hold meetings with different religion-based groups to uphold communal harmony.

The Chief Adviser directed the authority concerned to provide all-out assistance to the university administration for holding Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election in a peaceful and festive environment.

During the meeting, it was observed that the ‘defeated fascist forces’ are becoming more desperate and reckless as the country moves towards elections and the trial of those involved in the July massacre progresses.

“So, they (the defeated forces) are taking to the field with all their power to disrupt the democratic progress in order to destroy the overall peace and order of the country. It is no longer a law and order issue rather it has become a national security concern. It was said in the meeting that no one will be given the slightest concession in the interest of the overall security of the country,” said the Press Secretary.

CA’s Deputy Press Secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Apurba Jahangir were also present at the briefing.

Replying to a question, Shafiqul Alam said the government has been working relentlessly to improve law and order.

“You must realise that after August 05, (2024), more than 1,610-1,615 incidents, including protests and incidents have taken place—on average four incidents every day. Of them, 600 were related to the Education Ministry. These incidents reflect the surge of public expectations after a revolution,” he said.

Noting that different groups are now pressing their demands on the streets, something that was brutally suppressed by the previous ‘repressive’ government, he said, “This (interim) government, along with law enforcement, is handling these matters with patience.”

About movement in Palli Bidyut Samity, the Press Secretary said the government has already formed two committees, which have started implementing their recommendations. The process of reinstating the transferred employees to their previous positions has begun and the suspension orders are under review.

“So, there is no reason for Palli Bidyut officers and staff to continue work abstention. Anti-state elements are trying to instigate the movement in Palli Bidyut,” he said, adding, “The government is tolerant of peaceful movements, but if electricity supply or services to clients are disrupted, the government will be forced to take tough measures.”

On the recent attack on Rajbari Shrine of Nural Pagla, CA’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said seven people have so far been arrested, including at least two linked to local Awami League politics.

“Video footage is being reviewed, and police have confirmed that actions will be taken against all those involved,” he said.

In the investigation, any found connected to the attack on the shrine of Nurul Haque, popularly known as ‘Nural Pagla’ at Goalanda in Rajbari district will face strict legal action, said Azad Majumder.