Referendum to lay foundation of ‘new Bangladesh’, CA tells SPs

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged newly appointed Superintendents of Police (SPs) from 64 districts to view the upcoming national election as a historic responsibility and to work toward ensuring a credible, peaceful and inclusive vote.

Addressing the SPs at his Tejgaon office on Thursday, Yunus said this election is unlike previous ones, describing it as the product of sacrifices made during the July uprising.

“This is not just another election. Those who were martyred in the July mass uprising gave their lives for this moment. We owe this election to their sacrifice,” he told the officers.

He said the uprising paved the way for a “new Bangladesh”, and that the national polls—set to be held alongside a referendum—would offer an opportunity to begin building that future.

“The referendum will lay the foundation for the Bangladesh of tomorrow — a foundation strong enough to carry this nation for the next hundred years,” he said.

Yunus noted that global attention would be sharply focused on the polls, with international observers expected to attend.

“The world will be watching. It is our responsibility to make this election a model that observers can present to the world,” he said.

Referring to Bangladesh’s long history of disputed elections, the Chief Adviser urged the police to break with past practices.

“We all know what previous elections were called — farcical, manipulative, theatrical. This time we must set a new standard,” he said, adding that the police have a “central role” in achieving that.

Encouraging initiative and professionalism, he reminded SPs that not every instruction could be detailed in writing.

“You must think for yourselves. How can your work be done better? How do we make this election clean, fair and dignified?” he asked.

Yunus also proposed fostering healthy competition within the police force at district and divisional levels through an award system to recognise exemplary performance.

Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Md Khoda Box Chowdhury, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Nasimul Gani, and Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam also attended the meeting.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com