Chief Adviser’s press secretary, Mohammad Shafiqul Alam, stated, “We believe there is a very good level playing field. Candidate scrutiny is currently underway, and full-scale election campaigns will begin on January 22. We think the environment is still sufficiently favorable, and the election atmosphere is visible everywhere. While a few people have raised concerns about the level playing field, we see nothing to suggest that it does not exist.”

He made these remarks on Friday morning while responding to questions from journalists after visiting several sites in Mymensingh, including the Bura Pir shrine, the mausoleum of Hazrat Shah Sufi Syed Kalu Shah (R.)—which was damaged in last year’s attack—Shivbari Temple and Durga Bari Temple in the Ganginar Para area of the city.

Shafiqul Alam added, “We all want a fair and good election. We want a new Bangladesh. There are two electoral events taking place: a parliamentary election and a referendum. We hope everyone participates and votes ‘Yes’ in the referendum. This ‘Yes’ vote is to ensure that no form of fascist rule is established in Bangladesh.”

Regarding allegations that the current administration is favoring a particular party, the press secretary said, “The administration has not leaned toward any party or individual. After Begum Khaleda Zia passed away, a national mourning was declared, which some have interpreted differently. But the truth is, she was a national leader, not just a BNP leader. That is why the nation observed mourning, and many people came to sign condolence books. A few individuals have made comments based on this, but that does not reflect any partiality.”

Attack on the shrine deplorable

Alam also commented on the attack last year on the nearly 200-year-old mausoleum of Hazrat Shah Sufi Syed Kalu Shah during the shrine’s annual Urs on January 8, describing it as “highly reprehensible.” He noted that signs of the damage from the attack were still visible from the British-era structure, which has now been restored. He emphasized, “We want people from all walks of life and all beliefs in Bangladesh to live together in harmony and mutual respect.”

Shafiqul Alam added, “Every religious path deserves respect. If someone visits a shrine, their visit should be respected. Likewise, if someone chooses not to visit, that choice should also be respected. It is through this mutual respect that we can build a better, new Bangladesh. If I do not respect your Bangladesh, how can you respect mine? We are all part of Bangladesh, and we must respect one another—this is what we aspire to achieve.”