Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus chairs a high-level meeting on election preparations held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday. – CAO Photo

Chief Adviser to the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has warned that the forthcoming national parliamentary election will be “challenging” and that “attacks may come suddenly”.

He made the remarks at a high-level meeting on election preparations held at the Jamuna State Guest House on Wednesday, October 29.

“Many forces – both internal and external – will attempt to disrupt the polls. These are not small forces; they are big and well-organised,” Yunus said. “This election will be challenging. Attacks may come suddenly. But no matter how many storms come, we must overcome them.”

The Chief Adviser also cautioned that extensive disinformation campaigns were likely in the run-up to the polls, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake images and videos. “Propaganda will be launched in a planned way from inside and outside the country to disrupt the election. As soon as such content appears, it must be stopped before it spreads,” he said.

At the meeting, Yunus urged officials to ensure that the election remains “peaceful, fair and festive”. He emphasised the importance of public engagement, saying: “We have to reach out to the people – make them aware of election principles, polling station rules, how to vote, and what to do if there is chaos somewhere.”

According to the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, who briefed reporters later at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, the meeting discussed detailed strategies to handle potential crises before, during and after the elections.

A total of 92,500 members of the armed forces will be deployed nationwide for election duties – 90,000 from the army and 2,500 from the navy. One army company will be stationed in each upazila throughout the election period.

Officials also discussed measures to coordinate with local communities and volunteers to maintain order and security in the 72 hours before and after polling day.

The next national parliamentary election is scheduled for February next year.