Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministries of Information and Broadcasting; Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Water Resources, has said that the upcoming election in February will lay a strong foundation for democracy. This foundation will strengthen democratic institutions and ensure greater accountability of the government to the people. The long-cherished goal of building a society free from discrimination and exploitation, which remains unfulfilled, can begin its journey toward realization through this process.

She made these remarks on Tuesday morning while speaking to journalists after paying tribute at the Shaheed Memorial at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. She said the February election is not merely an election, but also a form of public referendum, where citizens will be able to express their views on key reform issues. Based on this public mandate, the democratic journey of the country may begin in a renewed form.

Rizwana Hasan described it as deeply unfortunate that in Bangladesh’s political culture, attempts are sometimes made to suppress opponents through violence, including attempts on lives, instead of through reasoned debate and dialogue. She termed such acts condemnable and cowardly, adding that there is no heroism in violence. If one has strength, she said, one should face the people, as the path to public engagement in a democratic state is well known.

She further stated that the culture of eliminating political opponents has no place in a new Bangladesh. The government will be considered successful only if it can ultimately achieve the objectives with which it began its journey—holding a free and fair election, ensuring justice, and carrying out meaningful reforms.

The Adviser said the government’s goal is to ensure a peaceful, fair, and participatory election so that people can vote freely and without fear. However, she acknowledged that certain forces are actively working to disrupt this process. Alongside resisting these forces, she said, it is also necessary to build collective social resistance.

She added that the government is firmly focused on delivering a peaceful and credible election. At the same time, there are efforts underway to intimidate the public. Ensuring public safety and preventing the spread of fear, she said, remains a key responsibility of the government, and efforts are being made to the best of its ability.