Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Sunday (Sept 7) that the 13th national parliamentary elections will be held in the first half of February, and “no power on earth” can prevent it.

Speaking at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Alam stressed that the vote would go ahead under any circumstances. 

“Whatever happens, the election will be held in the first half of February. No force can stop it. Preparations are being made in every possible way,” he said.

The press secretary added that the government has instructed law enforcement agencies to act against recent rallies organised by the Awami League, whose political activities remain banned.

He said the Chief Adviser held a meeting with 10 of his advisers at the state guesthouse Jamuna, where discussions focused on the Awami League’s sudden marches, the overall law-and-order situation, and preparations for the polls.

According to Shafiqul Alam, the meeting noted that “whenever the country moves towards elections and the trials of those involved in the July killings advance, the defeated fascist forces become desperate and reckless. They are attempting to disrupt peace and stability and obstruct the democratic process.”

He further said the situation has become “a national security issue, not merely a matter of law and order.” The meeting resolved that no compromise would be made on ensuring the country’s security, while stressing the need for unity among all political parties in the nation's interest. The importance of preserving the spirit of the July uprising through political consensus was also highlighted.

Reiterating the directive to crack down on the Awami League’s sudden rallies, Alam said the meeting decided to intensify monitoring unlawful gatherings and pursue strict legal action against those behind them.

Deputy press secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar and Apurbo Jahangir were also present.

SMS/