Touhid calls for cooperation among political parties during elections

The interim administration will step aside after handing over power to a government elected through a peaceful parliamentary election, according to Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain.

Speaking on Saturday afternoon at the inauguration of a voter awareness vehicle caravan at Bhola Government School ground, Touhid said the administration expects political parties to cooperate among each other during the election process and avoid any form of disorder.

He said the government would withdraw after the polls and the country would return to a normal democratic course.

Touhid described the approaching election as particularly important, saying Bangladesh had not experienced a “genuinely credible” election over the past 15 years.

He said the last meaningful election took place in 2008 and that no proper election had been held since then.

 “The national election will be held on the 12th of February. We expect a festive voting atmosphere,” he said.

Addressing international oversight, the advisor confirmed that global observers have been invited. He noted that the European Union and the American International Republican Institute will be sending delegations.

He said he had already met and spoken with those expected to arrive and assured them that necessary arrangements would be ensured.

At the same time, he said the government would not extend assistance to observers unless it was specifically requested, as any unsolicited involvement could be viewed as interference.

He said the interim administration would refrain from influencing observers in any manner.

According to him, the government’s role would be limited to ensuring the security of observers.

 “If they later seek assistance, it will be provided. Beyond that, the decision on who will serve as observers rests entirely with the Election Commission,” he said.

He noted that observer applications were being reviewed by the Election Commission, which would approve those it considered neutral.

 “We want a large number of observers so that no one gets the chance to create disorder during the election,” he said.

He urged political parties to engage directly with voters and present their programmes to the public, saying there was no need for violence as the people would decide whom they wish to elect.