Ashis Chowdhury, Special Correspondent, Broadcasting News Corporation:Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus said that the elections must be made memorable by organizing them in a beautiful and fair manner. He said this while giving guidance on election preparations through a video conference with Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) from across the country from the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday (December 10, 2025). At that time, all the District Administrators, Divisional Commissioners, and Cabinet Department officials were connected online.

The Chief Advisor also said to the UNOs at this time, “History has given us a new opportunity. Other generations will not get this opportunity. If we can utilize this opportunity, we will be able to build a new Bangladesh, and if we cannot, then the nation will face down.” We have seen elections before. Any sane person would say that the elections that have taken place in the past are not elections, but fraud. The upcoming election is not like any other responsibility; rather, it is a historic responsibility. If we can fulfill this responsibility well, then the upcoming election day will be historic for the people as well.

The chief advisor said to the Upazila Nirbahi Officers, “Only if you perform your duties properly will the government be able to fulfill its responsibilities successfully.” Noting that both the upcoming elections and the referendum are very important for the nation, he said, “Elections are for the next five years, and referendums are for a hundred years.” Regarding the referendum, he said, “Through this, we can permanently change Bangladesh. Through this, we can build the foundation of the new Bangladesh we want to create.”

Addressing the newly-joined UNOs, the Chief Advisor said, “Your main responsibility is to organize a peaceful and joyful election.” He advised the UNOs to visit all polling stations in their respective areas and prepare for a smooth election by discussing with all concerned parties, locals, and colleagues. Stressing the importance of making voters aware of the referendum, he said, “Voters need to be made up their minds – whether they will vote “yes” or “no” – make up their minds.”