A four-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami led by its Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna today. Photo: Chief Adviser's Press Wing

DHAKA, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today sought cooperation from all political parties to hold the forthcoming national polls and the referendum successfully, saying the elections must be held on February 12. 

"This time, both the election and the referendum must be held successfully. No matter who says what, the elections will be held on February 12. This election will not be a manipulated one," he said.

"It is the responsibility of all of us - the government, the Election Commission, and political parties - to ensure that this year's elections are held in a fair and festive atmosphere. I seek cooperation of all political parties in this regard," the Chief Adviser added.

Professor Yunus made the remarks at a meeting with a four-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami led by its Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman at the State Guest House Jamuna here this evening, said the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.

The delegation members also included Jamaat's Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar and Assistant Secretary General Mawlana Rafiqul Islam Khan.

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan were present at the meeting.

During the meeting, various election-related issues were discussed.
 
The Jamaat leaders informed the Chief Adviser that the election campaign will start in full-swing from January 22. 

They also said that Jamaat-e-Islami has already started campaigning in favour of "Yes" vote in the referendum, and that from January 22 both campaigns will continue simultaneously.

Jamaat leaders drew Prof Yunus's attention to several election-related issues. 

Responding to the Jamaat leaders, the Chief Adviser said, "We must hold a good election at any cost. Please inform us of any urgent information, complaints or opinions related to the election".

"We will immediately bring those to the attention of the Election Commission; if the government needs to take any action, we will do so," he added.

Informing that polling centres will be brought under CCTV coverage very soon, Prof Yunus said that most centres will have CCTV cameras, which will be installed within January. 

Officials assigned to centres considered at risk will be equipped with body-worn cameras, he said, adding that all footage will be monitored from a control room and will be recorded so that immediate action can be taken in case of any untoward incident.

Regarding the government's campaign in favour of "Yes" vote in the referendum, the Chief Adviser said, "Some people are saying whether the government's campaign in favour of a 'Yes' vote is lawful, but we have spoken to all relevant stakeholders and ensured that there is no legal barrier".

It is the responsibility of the interim government, formed through the mass uprising, to stand in favour of reforms, he categorically said.

Prof Yunus said that steps will be taken to ensure effective mechanisms involving representatives of all political parties and relevant stakeholders to resolve disputes arising at the local level during the election period. 

In addition, he said, a hotline number will be launched for the election through which all types of complaints will be received.

Prof Yunus called upon all to remain united, regardless of victory or defeat in the election, to ensure a successful election and to work for the country.