The Council of Advisers adopted a formal resolution expressing gratitude to all institutions and officials for their contribution to holding what it described as a successful, historic and festive 13th national parliamentary election.
The resolution was approved at the council’s 61st weekly meeting at the Chief Adviser’s Office, chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam later briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, outlining the outcomes of the meeting.
He said the advisers termed the polls a “successful and historic festive election,” while the Chief Adviser thanked all concerned for their outstanding performance.
The council extended special thanks to Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury for his ministry’s role, noting that Bangladesh may not have witnessed such a well-managed election before.
Appreciation was also conveyed to law enforcement agencies under the Home Ministry — including the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, and Ansar — as well as the Armed Forces for maintaining security.
The advisers approved a separate vote of thanks to immediate past Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid for effectively coordinating the administration to ensure a free, fair, peaceful, and festive election.
The thanksgiving motion was moved by Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and unanimously adopted.
The council observed that the election achieved unprecedented success in several areas. It highlighted that, for the first time, a strong opposition presence would be visible in parliament, including individuals who were victims of enforced disappearance and violence, as well as participants from the July movement.
Advisers also noted the absence of post-election violence against minority communities, stating that religious minorities and women voters cast ballots in a festive environment without reported attacks.
The meeting praised the extensive use of technology, including body-worn cameras, the Surokkha App, and CCTV systems. The Chief Adviser personally monitored live feeds from Police Headquarters and interacted with officials at multiple polling centres in real time.
Prof Yunus remarked that body-worn cameras would become a key element of election management in Bangladesh, improving transparency and monitoring.
The advisers welcomed the introduction of postal ballots to engage the Bangladeshi diaspora and commended the Election Commission’s independent and firm role.
Describing the polls as the least violent election in the country’s history, the council compared it with the 1991 election, noting significantly fewer incidents.
Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury informed the meeting that while four deaths were reported during the election period, only one was directly linked to election-related violence. He also confirmed that a probe committee had been formed regarding a post-election incident in Hatiya.
The council further stated that international observers — including missions from the European Union, Commonwealth, International Republican Institute (IRI), and ANFREL — praised the election management.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain informed the meeting that foreign ministers from SAARC countries, along with Qatar’s foreign minister, had been invited to attend the upcoming oath-taking ceremony of Members of Parliament and cabinet members.
The meeting concluded with Prof Yunus saying, “We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve the nation.”
Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Pay Scale held its first meeting to discuss implementation matters.
Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were also present at the media briefing.