Staff Reporter:
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday urged the countrymen to vote in the general elections to elect a new government and in the referendum to shape the future Bangladesh, saying it is a historic, decisive and future-defining moment for the nation.
“Some days come in the life of every nation that have far-reaching significance, when the future direction of a state, the character and stability of democracy and the fate of future generations are determined,” he said.
“The day after today is just such a day, when two votes are going to be held. We will all together elect a new government and at the same time determine the future structure of our beloved Bang-ladesh through a referendum,” the Chief Adviser added.
Professor Yunus made the remarks while addressing 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 on February 12.
Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar simultaneously aired the speech.
At the onset of his speech, he extended his greetings to people of all ages and walks of life and re-called with deep respect the martyrs of the Liberation War and the July Mass Uprising, whose sac-rifices, he said, made the election and the referendum possible.
The Chief Adviser noted that Bangladesh now stands at a critical democratic transition after a long struggle against authoritarianism, saying, “The nation remains indebted forever to the common people-particularly the July fighters-whose sacrifices paved the way for this general polls and the referendum”.
He said the formal election campaign has already ended and the time has come for citizens to de-cide.
“(At this moment), first of all, I would like to mention with deep satisfaction and gratitude that the overall campaigning surrounding this election has been remarkably peaceful compared to any previous election,” Prof Yunus said.
Despite differences in opinions and ideologies, he said, political parties have shown restraint, can-didates have behaved responsibly, and the general public has remained aware.
“This environment did not arise suddenly-it is the result of a collective sense of responsibility,” the Chief Adviser added.
“Hence, I thank all political parties, candidates, voters, the Election Commission, representatives of civil society, media professionals, and members of law-enforcement agencies and the administra-tion. Through your combined efforts, we reached the threshold of holding the polls in an expected atmosphere,” he said.
At the same time, the Chief Adviser expressed the deep sorrow caused by several violent incidents since the announcement of the election schedule, which claimed some valuable lives.
“Such violence has shaken the national conscience. The loss of any life in the practice of democra-cy is unacceptable for any civilized state,” he said.
Referring to the scale of participation, Professor Yunus said 51 political parties are contesting the election, the highest number in the country’s history, adding, more than 2,000 candidates, includ-ing independent ones, are vying in the polls, figures rarely seen in past national elections.
“This election is not just another routine poll but the first national election following a mass upris-ing. This election is a constitutional expression of the people’s awakening that we have seen against long-standing anger, discrimination, deprivation and injustice,” he said.
The demands once voiced on the streets will now be expressed “through your ballots”, the Chief Adviser said, adding, therefore, this election is a historic milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.
“Through this election, we are not just electing representatives of the people – at the same time, we are deciding which path Bangladesh will take. Will we be able to build a -discriminatory-free, just and accountable state, or will we return to the old power-centered and uncontrolled circle – this referendum will answer this question,” he said.
He called on all candidates to place national interest above personal or party interests, regardless of the outcome of the election results, and reminded them that both victory and defeat are integral parts of democracy.
Prof Yunus also urged all to work together after the elections to build a new, just, democratic and inclusive Bangladesh.
Addressing young and women voters in particular, he said, “You are the generation that, despite having voting rights, were deprived of voting opportunities for the last 17 years. You grew up in a reality where there were voting masks-but no votes; there were ballots-but no voters”.
The Chief Adviser said the nation has had to pay the greatest price every day for this long period of deprivation and oppression.
Despite this deprivation, he said, they did not abandon hope or bow to injustice, but carried dreams of a new Bangladesh through movements, protests, thoughts and dreams culminating in the July mass uprising that changed the course of history.
Highlighting the role of women from the Liberation War to all democratic movements, Prof Yunus noted that women stood at the forefront of the July uprising.
Women are one of the driving forces of this country’s economy and a strong foundation for foreign exchange earnings, he said, adding, behind the words- microcredit, cottage industries and women entrepreneurs- there are stories of change and empowerment in families and society.
The Chief Adviser said the government has taken maximum preparations to ensure a free, fair, neutral and peaceful election, noting that a record number of law-enforcement personnel have been deployed, along with armed forces members vested with magisterial powers, to prevent any disorder or violence.
He expressed confidence that all would perform their duties properly upholding religious believe, patriotism and dedication.
The Chief Adviser also noted that postal voting facilities have also been provided to government officials on duty, law-enforcement personnel and eligible citizens in legal custody, demonstrating the state’s commitment to include everyone.
Prof Yunus cautioned against deliberate disinformation campaigns aimed at creating fear and con-fusion, urging citizens to verify information and use the “Election Bondhu” hotline 333 for accu-rate updates.
He dismissed rumors that the interim government would not hand over power as baseless propa-ganda, assuring that authority would be transferred swiftly to the elected representatives.
Calling upon the citizens to go to polling centers with families in a festive spirit, exercise their rights confidently and responsibly, Prof Yunus said, “Open the door to building a new Bangladesh through giving your valuable vote. The key to the country is in your hands. Use that key proper-ly”.
He expressed hope that this Election Day would mark the birthday of the new Bangladesh.
