Bangladesh is passing through a “critical period” ahead of the upcoming national elections scheduled for February, said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. He cautioned that certain international quarters are attempting to disrupt the electoral process and stressed that the coming months will be extremely significant.
He made the remarks on Monday (September 29, local time) during a discussion with members of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights in New York.
“We want the February election to be free, fair, and peaceful—an election unlike any other in Bangladesh’s history,” Yunus said. “Our goal is to ensure the highest voter turnout ever recorded in the country.”
The Chief Adviser added that many citizens, despite being on the voter roll for years, have not been able to cast their ballots. This time, the government is especially committed to encouraging women’s participation and celebrating their engagement in the democratic process. Widespread awareness campaigns will be launched to inform citizens about voting procedures.
Warning of external interference, Yunus said: “There are forces that do not want this election to take place. We do not know whose interests they serve, but huge sums of money are being poured in, benefiting actors both inside and outside the country. They are highly organized—and that is the most dangerous aspect. The next few months are extremely important.”
He urged international human rights defenders to visit Bangladesh more frequently: “Every time you come, forgotten issues are brought back into focus. Ultimately, you are the voice of the people.”
During the meeting, Yunus also briefed the delegation on Bangladesh’s upcoming election, ongoing reform initiatives, and measures taken to protect human rights.
Highlighting the challenge of tackling illicit financial flows, he called for stronger advocacy: “Recovering stolen assets through legal procedures is highly complex. I hope human rights organizations will raise their voices so that no bank can hide such illicit funds. This is truly the people’s money.”
