Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has directed Bangladesh’s armed forces to remain on maximum alert to ensure a free, fair, and credible 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum scheduled for February 12. He issued the directive on Monday during a meeting with senior military officials at the Army Headquarters, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. Yunus emphasized that the armed forces’ professionalism, neutrality, and responsibility are crucial to maintaining public confidence and ensuring a peaceful and festive electoral atmosphere.

He described the upcoming vote as a decisive moment for Bangladesh’s democratic future, particularly for young and long-disfranchised voters. Yunus urged the military leadership to ensure all field-level decisions are lawful, restrained, and responsible, warning that even minor deviations could undermine public trust. He also paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and the July–August student uprising, acknowledging the armed forces’ role in maintaining stability.

Yunus further noted that the interim government has prioritized strengthening the armed forces’ capacity, including establishing domestic arms production and signing defense cooperation memoranda with several countries.