Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain has said the Awami League will be held responsible if any violence takes place surrounding the upcoming election, warning that individuals or groups attempting to destabilise the electoral process will face accountability.

Speaking in response to a recent statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing concern over potential election-related violence, Touhid Hossain noted that those who are not participating in the election, or are unable to do so, may seek to create unrest if violent incidents occur. However, he added that, so far, there is no indication of large-scale conflict during the election period. According to him, rival political parties have largely shown restraint.

Earlier, on 25 January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement stating that provocative remarks by the top leadership of the Awami League demonstrate why the interim government was compelled to ban the party’s activities. The statement further said that anyone involved in violence or terrorist activities before or on polling day would be held responsible, and that necessary measures would be taken to thwart any conspiracy aimed at undermining the election process.