Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus addressing the UNOs from across the country to give directives on election preparations via videoconferencing from the State Guest House Jamuna, Dhaka. Photo : Chief Adviser's Press Wing

DHAKA, Dec 10, 2025 (BSS) - Calling the upcoming national polls a historic opportunity to build a new Bangladesh in the post-mass uprising context, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus asked the Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) to make the elections 'historic and memorable' ones through fair and flawless management.

"This elections must be made historic and memorable through fair and flawless arrangement," he said while addressing the UNOs from across the country to give directives on election preparations via videoconferencing from the State Guest House Jamuna here. 

The UNOs from across the country, all Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and Cabinet Division officials joined the virtual event, said Chief Adviser's Press Wing this afternoon.

The Chief Adviser said, "History has given us a new opportunity. Other generations will not get this chance. If we can use this opportunity, we will be able to build a new Bangladesh, and if we fail, the nation will stumble".

"We have seen elections before. Any sane person would say that the elections that took place during the last regime were not elections, but fraud," he added.

Noting that the upcoming election is not like any other responsibility, Prof Yunus said, "It is a historic responsibility. If we can perform this responsibility properly, the upcoming polls day will also be historic for the country's people".

Stressing that the success of the government largely depends on how sincerely the UNOs discharge their duties, he said, "If you perform your responsibilities properly, the government will be able to fulfill its responsibilities successfully".

The Chief Adviser stressed that both the election and the referendum are crucial for the nation, saying, "The election is for the next five years, but the referendum is for a hundred years."

Explaining the importance of the referendum, Prof Yunus said, "Through this, we can permanently transform Bangladesh. We can lay the foundation of the new Bangladesh we want to create."

Addressing the newly appointed UNOs, he said, "Your main responsibility is to organise a peaceful and festive election".

The Chief Adviser advised the UNOs to visit all polling stations in their respective areas and prepare for a smooth election by holding discussions with all concerned parties, locals, and their colleagues.

Stressing on creating awareness among the voters about the referendum, he said, voters should be convinced to make up their minds-whether they will vote 'yes' or 'no'.

Prof Yunus compared the officials to midwives, saying, "If the midwife is good, the babies born will also be good".

He also instructed the officers to be creative in handling any situation and to take necessary measures to prevent misinformation and rumours.

Emphasising the need to prioritize women's participation in the elections, the Chief Adviser said it must be ensured that women can properly reach the polling stations.

Noting that the election schedule will be announced soon, Prof Yunus said, "From now on, you should prepare and plan exactly what you will do and how and when you will do until the election is completed."

Chief Adviser's Principal Secretary M Siraz Uddin Miah, Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Public Administration Secretary Md Ehsanul Hoque and other senior officials of the government were present at the event.