Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain Predicts Over 55% Voter Turnout in Election

Photo: Collected

Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain has predicted that voter turnout in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12, will exceed 55 percent.

He made the comment while responding to journalists' questions during the closing session of a training workshop on election reporting held at a hotel in the capital on Sunday (February 1). The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) organized the two-day workshop for its members with the support of MRDI.

When asked whether the government could successfully hold the election given that Awami League leaders in India are campaigning for a "No" vote in the referendum, the Foreign Advisor said, "A campaign for 'No' was happening, sometimes with people not fully understanding the implications. The government clearly wants the 'Yes' vote to win. Over more than a year, the government has prepared reform proposals through various commissions and wants to implement them."

Regarding the stance of political parties on the "Yes/No" vote, he noted that while Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, and a few other parties campaigned for "Yes," there was some ambiguity regarding the BNP. "A few local leaders were speaking for 'No,' while the voices of the central leaders who favored 'Yes' did not seem strong enough. However, I believe that confusion has been cleared as the BNP Chairman spoke firmly in favor of 'Yes' yesterday," he added.

The Foreign Advisor expressed his view that people would vote along party lines rather than meticulously studying the reform conditions. "Major parties are in favor of 'Yes,' so I don't think this will be a major issue," he remarked. Regarding voter turnout, he added, "In the 1991 national election, the turnout was 55 percent. I believe it will be more than 55 percent this time."

In response to a question about whether the election environment is fragile, the Advisor said, "No election is completely peaceful. There will be some unrest, but we must proceed toward the election. The election will be held."

Regarding the surrender of diplomatic passports by him and his wife, Touhid Hossain clarified, "My wife and I have not handed over our diplomatic passports. They remain valid as usual. It would be very unusual for a Foreign Advisor or Minister to surrender their passport during their tenure."

When asked about foreign interference in the election, the Advisor stated that the involvement of the diplomatic community has become a part of the political culture. "A large part of our society wants them to speak, so we cannot blame the diplomats," he said.

At the event, UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller emphasized the necessity of ensuring the safety of journalists for a secure election, particularly focusing on the digital safety of female candidates and reporters. The session was also addressed by MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, and General Secretary Abu Hena Imrul Kayes.