Bangladesh Election to Be Held in February, No Force Can Stop It: Press Secretary

Darwin, August 16—Bangladesh’s next general election will be held in February, and “no force can prevent it,” said Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser.

Speaking to reporters on Friday afternoon in Paranduali, Magura, after visiting the graves of Mehedi Hasan Rabbi and Al Amin, who were killed during the July–August mass uprising, Alam said:

“All relevant departments involved in election management are already working on preparations. We want to see a peaceful election, and we hope that will be possible with everyone’s cooperation.”

“The election mood will spread across the country”

Shafiqul Alam noted that Bangladesh’s monsoon season ends in September, and as soon as the rains subside, the electoral atmosphere will become palpable in neighborhoods across the country.

“Candidates will go door to door seeking votes. Campaign offices will pop up in every neighborhood. The festive mood of the election will spread nationwide. If anyone still has doubts, those doubts will vanish then,” he added.

“No greater tribute than unity and progress”

Referring to the martyrs of the mass uprising, Alam emphasized the importance of honoring their sacrifice.

“Those who gave their lives for our freedom—it’s our duty to uphold their dignity. We must come together to build a happy, prosperous Bangladesh.”

Recalling that 10 people were martyred in Magura during the July–August uprising, the press secretary said:

“Mehedi Hasan Rabbi was a local leader of Chhatra Dal. He was killed by the armed wings of Awami League and Jubo League. Al Amin, also from the area, was a small businessman in Dhaka. He too was gunned down.”

“I had one day off and used it to pay respects at their graves. I plan to visit the other 8 martyrs’ graves as well, one by one.”

“These martyrs are the architects of a new Bangladesh”

Alam described the slain activists as pioneers of a new Bangladesh, whose sacrifice has enabled today’s youth to speak freely and engage in political discourse.

“We are now in the process of achieving a political settlement. A fair and peaceful election is coming. And we owe this possibility to those martyrs who gave their lives for change.”