Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation this evening on the occasion of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election and the referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter, which is scheduled for February 12. Photo: CA's Press Wing

DHAKA, Feb 10, 2026 (BSS) – Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today dismissed rumours that the interim government would not hand over power after the general elections and the referendum, saying the interim government will hand over the charge swiftly to the elected representatives.

“Once the election is completed, the elected government will promptly assume office, and with that the interim government will conclude its duties,” he said. 

The Chief Adviser made the remarks while addressing the nation this evening on the occasion of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election and the referendum slated for February 12.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar simultaneously aired the speech.

“We will return to our respective duties after handing over charges to the newly elected government with great joy and pride and wishing them all the best. We are eagerly awaiting this auspicious moment,” Prof Yunus said.

He termed the propaganda that the current interim government will not hand over power to the elected representatives as completely baseless and planned rumour and said, “The sole purpose of this is to create obstacles in our democratic transition”.

Noting that a vested quarter is spreading rumours to destroy the peaceful atmosphere of the election and weaken the public trust, the Chief Adviser urged the people to verify all information and use the “Election Bondhu” hotline 333 to know accurate information.

Prof Yunus also urged the countrymen to exercise their voting rights fearlessly in the general elections to elect a new government as well as in the referendum to shape the future Bangladesh, stressing that the government has taken maximum preparations to ensure a free, fair, neutral and peaceful election.

Besides, he called upon the political parties to issue unequivocal instructions to their leaders and activists at all levels, from the center to the grassroots, so that they do not engage in any kind of chaos, violence, intimidation, occupying centers, influencing votes, or in provocative activities and rumour-mongering, either offline or online, saying the state will not tolerate such actions.