'Govt making every effort to ensure peaceful polls'

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has said the government is going all out to make the February election "peaceful and joyful".

He made the remarks during a meeting with the newly appointed German Ambassador to Bangladesh Rüdiger Lotz at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Chief Advisor's Office (CAO).

Yunus warmly congratulated the German diplomat on assuming his responsibilities in Bangladesh and expressed hope that the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Germany would reach new heights during his tenure. During the meeting, the ambassador expressed support for the interim government and inquired about the preparations for the national election slated for February 2026.

He said it is very encouraging that the people of Bangladesh are participating more actively in the democratic process. Lotz also praised the government's reform efforts, especially the July National Charter.

"It's good to see political parties sitting down together and having conversations," he said. "The country should continue these reform initiatives after the election."

The chief advisor said the National Consensus Commission did an excellent job by bringing major political parties together to sign the charter. "It was a historic moment that showed unity and a shared commitment to change. It also helps build trust before the upcoming election," he said.

"The government is doing everything possible to ensure the February election is peaceful and joyful," he added.

The ambassador also spoke about the rising number of Bangladeshi students who want to study in Germany.

Both Yunus and Lotz welcomed the growing connections between the people of the two countries.

They also discussed the situation of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and Germany's support in this area.

The chief advisor said Germany is Bangladesh's biggest trade partner in Europe and hoped that the new ambassador would work to boost trade and investment.

Yunus also spoke about the power of young people.

"Thanks to technology and social media, today's youth can speak up, connect with others easily, and spot injustice," he said.

However, he also warned about the dangers of the dissemination of false information. "Disinformation is one of the biggest challenges we face before the election," he said.