Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma has said that technology and surveillance tools alone cannot guarantee a fair and credible election, stressing that sincerity and integrity among all stakeholders are essential to ensuring public trust in the electoral process.
Speaking at a views-exchange meeting in Magura, the adviser said that while measures such as CCTV cameras and digital monitoring can support transparency, the success of the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and the 2026 referendum ultimately depends on the “purity of mindset” of those involved.
He urged citizens to move beyond what he described as negative thinking and called for broad public support for the referendum, saying a “Yes” vote would help maintain continuity in the country’s development efforts. He added that the chief adviser had emphasised the importance of making the referendum successful in the interest of national progress.
“This country belongs to all of us, and we must work together for the welfare of the nation,” Supradip Chakma said, according to a statement issued by the Press Information Department on Tuesday.
The adviser made the remarks while attending the meeting as chief guest at the Magura Circuit House, where election-related preparations and public awareness efforts were reviewed. He expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by the district administration and law enforcement agencies, describing the arrangements as encouraging.
He also suggested the use of video documentaries incorporating public opinion to raise voter awareness, with particular emphasis on engaging women voters and ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Officials at the meeting said a range of initiatives were already under way to ensure smooth conduct of the referendum and parliamentary election. In Magura’s two constituencies, a total of 847,410 voters are expected to cast ballots at 301 polling centres.
The district information office and administration are carrying out 411 awareness activities, including public announcements, mobile cultural performances, courtyard meetings and documentary screenings. Authorities said CCTV surveillance and joint inspections involving multiple agencies have been put in place at all polling centres.
The meeting was chaired by Magura Deputy Commissioner Md Abdullah Al Mahmud and attended by senior officials, including Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Md Monirul Islam, the adviser’s private secretary Khandaker Mushfiqur Rahman and Superintendent of Police Habibur Rahman. Representatives from the army, Border Guard Bangladesh, Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar and other security agencies were also present.
The comments come as Bangladesh steps up administrative and security preparations ahead of the national polls and referendum, with officials emphasising both technological safeguards and public confidence in the electoral process.
