C T Online Desk: Aug 25, 2024- Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus today said a free, fair and participatory election will be held in the country after necessary reforms to administration, judiciary, the Election Commission (EC), electoral system and law-order sector.

“A free, fair and participatory election will be held after necessary reforms to administration, judiciary, the Election Commission, electoral system, law-order sector and free flow of information to give the student-people a successful culmination,” he said while addressing the nation at 7.30 pm.

BTV, BTV World and BTV Chattogram centre broadcasted his address.

Prof Yunus said the main aim of the election is to introduce an accountable political system against corruption, looting and mass killing.

Local government institutions, he said, must be strengthened and decentralisation of power should be ensured to consolidate democracy.

Claiming that the government has taken a strong stance against corruption, the Chief Adviser said all the advisers to the interim government will disclose their wealth statements within the quickest possible time.

Prof Yunus said submitting wealth statements will be made mandatory for all government officials at phases.

To take steps against corruption at the state level, an ordinance will be proclaimed to appoint an Ombudsman in line with the Article 77 of the Constitution.

‘One family, one goal’: Dr Yunus urges national unity amid flood

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said on Sunday that all necessary steps have been taken to restore normalcy in the flood-affected regions of Bangladesh, emphasizing that “We are one family. We have one goal.”

Speaking in a televised address, he also noted the importance of both domestic and regional cooperation to tackle such crises in the future. This marks his second national address since assuming the role of chief adviser on August 8.

“We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our youth, and we are ready to take on this challenge.”

He called on the nation to support these efforts wholeheartedly, stressing the need to focus on long-term solutions rather than seeking immediate fixes or resorting to vigilante justice.

During his speech, the Nobel laureate also revealed plans to establish a July mass killing memorial foundation.

According to the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, the ongoing floods have left stranded at least 1 million families across 73 upazilas in 11 districts as of Sunday afternoon.

While no new fatalities were reported by 3pm, two individuals remain missing in Moulvibazar.

The overall death toll stands at 18, with 52,09,798 people affected across Feni, Comilla, Chittagong, Khagrachhari, Noakhali, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, Lakshmipur and Cox’s Bazar.

The ministry detailed that of the 18 deaths, four occurred in Comilla, one in Feni, five in Chittagong, three in Noakhali, one each in Brahmanbaria and Lakshmipur, and three in Cox’s Bazar.

A total of 1,047,029 families have been impacted by the floods, which span 545 municipalities and unions.

Amid the crisis, at least 415,273 people have sought refuge in 3,654 shelter centers, where 22,298 domestic animals are also being housed.

The government has deployed 748 medical teams to provide essential healthcare services in the affected areas.

In response to the disaster, the government has allocated Tk3.52 crore to the 11 flood-hit districts, alongside 20,650 tons of rice as well as 15,000 packages of dry food, baby food and fodder valued at Tk35 lakh each.

Private organizations, businesses and the general public have also joined the relief efforts.

Deputy commissioners in the flood-affected areas have been instructed to coordinate with various stakeholders, including the coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the army, navy, medical teams and other volunteers.