Finance, Science and Technology Adviser of the interim government Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. -File Photo

CHANDPUR, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Finance, Science and Technology Adviser of the interim government Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed today urged the people of the country to extend their cooperation for holding the upcoming general election in a free and fair manner. 

 “We want good, dedicated and people-oriented representatives to come through the voting process,” he said.

He also said that to ensure judicial independence, speedy trial and maintenance of the law and order situation, any government must carry out reforms. 

The finance Adviser made the remarks while responding to queries of journalists after inaugurating a referendum campaign, voters motivation programme and ‘Voter Gari’ at Hasan Ali Government High School ground here in Chandpur today.

Asked whether there is any concern over the next general election, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said, “Why won’t voting take place? There is no political pressure now. No particular party will be able to come to power by using money,”

He further said that within one and a half years, the current economic situation of the country is not fragile. “The foreign exchange reserve has increased from US$18 billion to US$32 billion,” he said.
He noted that unbridled corruption and money laundering had earlier pushed the economy on the brink of a ditch. “We have tried to pull the economy back from that critical situation. Within just one and a half years, the present government has brought the economy back from the edge of collapse,” he added.

After inaugurating the ‘Voter Gari’, the Adviser, along with government officials, visited the referendum stalls set up at the venue and interacted with voters present there.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed spoke as the chief guest at a view-exchange meeting at the Sadar Upazila Auditorium at 10:00 am, organised by the district administration to promote the referendum and motivate voters.

Officials from various government departments and representatives of different professional groups participated in the meeting.

Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Md. Nazmul Islam Sarkar presided over the meeting, while Sadar UNO S.M. N Jamiul Hikma conducted the proceedings. 

Chairman of National Board of Revenue (NBR) Md Abdur Rahman Khan and Chandpur Police Super Md. Rabiul Hasan spoke as special guests.