Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday instructed all district administrators to carry out their duties in the upcoming national election and referendum with absolute integrity, neutrality and dedication, saying this is not a conventional election but “an election to save the country.”

He made the remarks while addressing 50 newly appointed deputy commissioners, along with administrators from all 64 districts, at the Chief Adviser’s Office.

Terming the upcoming vote more than just a routine five-yearly national election, the Chief Adviser said the addition of a referendum makes it “far more consequential”.

This is a completely different kind of election. The nation has witnessed many farcical elections in the past. It is our responsibility to rise above those memories,” he said.

This is a post-uprising election — an election meant to complete the people’s uprising. The direction of the nation for the next century will be determined through this vote,” he added.

Underscoring the critical role of district administrators, Prof Yunus said there is no room for failure. “Through this election, the nation will be reborn, and the deputy commissioners will play the role of midwives in that process.”

He urged administrators to prepare thoroughly and ensure the election is both festive and peaceful.

He reminded them that a large number of young and female voters, who have been unable to exercise their voting rights for the past 15 years, will participate this time.

The Chief Adviser said international observers have already expressed strong interest in the upcoming election. “They are keen to see how Bangladesh conducts this election.”

Making this election successful is our commitment to the people’s uprising. It is a major national mission — and we must win this mission,” he said, adding, “To survive as a sovereign nation, we must win this struggle.”

The meeting, moderated by Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid, was attended by Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and Law Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul.

Dhaka Division Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Tangail DC Sharifa Haque and Bogura DC Md Toufiqueur Rahman also addressed the event on behalf of field administration officials.