Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today called on all political parties to issue firm instructions to their leaders and activists, from the national level down to the grassroots, to ensure that no one engages in disorder, violence, intimidation or any attempt to influence voters during the election process.

“Any move to forcibly take over polling centres, disrupt voting or provoke unrest would not be tolerated by the state,” he said in a televised address to the nation at 7:00pm.

The chief adviser also warned against the spread of misinformation, particularly on social media platforms, saying rumours and fabricated content could undermine public confidence and fuel instability.

“The state will not tolerate such behaviour under any circumstances,” he said.

Prof Yunus said the interim government was committed to ensuring a peaceful, credible and participatory electoral environment and expected political forces to demonstrate responsibility and restraint.

Rejecting claims that the interim government would not hand over power after the polls, Yunus said such assertions were “baseless propaganda”.

“Power will be transferred promptly to the elected representatives,” he assured.

He stressed that maintaining order during the polls was a collective obligation and urged parties to contribute to an atmosphere where voters could exercise their franchise without fear or pressure.

“The election must be conducted in a calm and secure environment so that people can vote freely,” he added, reiterating that any attempt to derail the process would face firm action from the authorities.

Calling the moment historic, Yunus said the country was standing at a future-defining crossroads.

“There are certain days in a nation’s life whose significance is far-reaching. They determine the direction of the state, the sustainability of democracy and the fate of future generations,” he said.

“The day after tomorrow is such a day, when two votes will take place -- one to form a new government and another to determine the future structure of the state of Bangladesh.”

He said the election and the referendum were fulfilment of long-cherished national aspirations and acknowledged the sacrifices behind them.

“Without the sacrifices of the people, especially the fighters of July, neither the election nor the referendum would have been possible. The nation remains eternally indebted to them,” he said.

Yunus expressed satisfaction that the overall campaign environment had been more peaceful than in previous elections, crediting political parties, candidates and the public for exercising restraint despite ideological differences.

“This environment is the result of collective responsibility,” he said.

However, he also voiced sorrow over violent incidents following the announcement of the election schedule, which claimed lives during the campaign.

“Such violence shook the national conscience. The loss of life in democratic practice is unacceptable for any civilised state,” he said.

The chief adviser said a record 51 parties are contesting the election, with more than 2,000 candidates including independents, making it one of the most competitive polls in Bangladesh’s history.

He urged candidates to place national interest above personal or party considerations, regardless of the outcome.

“Victory and defeat are integral parts of democracy. After the election, all must work together to build a new, just, democratic and inclusive Bangladesh,” he said.

Highlighting the role of women, Yunus said they have remained at the forefront from the Liberation War to every major movement, including the July Uprising, and continue to drive the economy and foreign currency earnings.

“This election marks a new beginning for women who were long deprived of opportunities to express their views in state decisions,” he said.

Addressing young voters, he described the vote as their first true political expression and urged them to cast ballots with courage.

He said the government took preparations to ensure a free, fair, neutral and peaceful election, including the deployment of a record number of law enforcement personnel and armed forces members with magisterial powers.

“For the first time, CCTV cameras have been installed widely, body-worn cameras are being used by polling officials, and drones and dog squads have been arranged for security and surveillance,” he said.

On the referendum, Yunus said every vote would shape the future of governance, justice, education, employment and state administration for generations.

Concluding his address, the chief adviser called on citizens to turn polling day into a celebration of democracy.

“Exercise your voting rights without hesitation and help open the door to a new Bangladesh. The key to the country’s future lies in the hands of its people,” he said.