‘New Bangladesh’ will emerge thru Feb polls, hopes CA Yunus

Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday expressed his profound hope that voting day, February 12, will mark the “birthday of a New Bangladesh,” stating that the historic vote would usher in a new democratic era grounded in reform, accountability, and people’s participation.

In a stirring address to the nation on the eve of historic 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum on the July National Charter, Prof Yunus said the country stood on the threshold of a transformative moment shaped by the sacrifices of July mass uprising.

“We are only hours away from a historic election. The mass uprising of 2024 made this possible. When we thought we would have to wait another five years for another farcical election, our children rose up and shattered the chains of subjugation. We have reached this day at the cost of thousands of lives,” he said, urging citizens to make election day a symbol of national rebirth.

The February 12 vote will mark country’s first national election following the 2024 mass uprising and will be held alongside a national referendum on the July National Charter, a reform framework developed through consultations with more than 30 political parties over nine months by the National Consensus Commission.

Yunus said the July Charter is not the manifesto of any single party but a collective national document built through dialogue, debate and political consensus.

“This charter represents the spirit of the mass uprising, the people’s long-standing aspirations, and a clear roadmap for the future structure of the state. It is a historic national document that defines the direction of reform, governance, accountability, and democratic transformation,” he said.

He stressed that the referendum is designed to give citizens direct authority in shaping the country’s reform agenda.

“This referendum is a milestone in country’s history. Every vote will help lay the foundation of tomorrow’s state system. The legitimacy of national transformation can only come from the people’s consent,” Yunus said.

The chief adviser said sustainable national transformation cannot be achieved through unilateral decisions or centralized authority, emphasizing that public participation is essential for political stability, economic reconstruction, accountability, social equality and democratic governance.

“People are the real power of the state. This is why we have arranged the referendum—so citizens can directly express their will in determining the future reform path of the country,” he said.

He added that the outcome of the referendum will shape future governance structures, state institutions, democratic systems and social justice mechanisms for generations to come.

Yunus paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising, saying their sacrifices made country’s democratic transition possible.

“Without the sacrifices of the people, especially the fighters of July, this election and referendum would never have been possible. The nation will remain eternally indebted to them,” he said.

He described the upcoming vote as one of those rare historic moments that define a nation’s destiny, democracy and future generations.

The chief adviser said the overall election campaign had been more peaceful than previous polls, crediting political parties, candidates, voters, the Election Commission, civil society, the media, law enforcement agencies and the administration for their responsible conduct.

However, he also expressed sorrow over incidents of election-related violence that claimed lives, calling them unacceptable in any democratic society.

“Democracy cannot be built on bloodshed. The loss of even one life is a tragedy for the nation,” he said.

Yunus noted that a record 51 political parties are contesting the election, with more than 2,000 candidates including independents—making it one of the most competitive elections in country’s history.

He said the election is not merely about choosing representatives, but about deciding the country’s future direction.

“This is not just another routine election. It is the first national election after a mass uprising. It is the constitutional expression of people’s resistance against injustice, discrimination and authoritarianism,” he said.

Addressing young and women voters directly, Yunus said they are central to country’s future and democratic renewal.

“You are the generation that grew up with the right to vote but without the opportunity to vote. Today, your voice finally matters,” he said.

He praised women for their historic role in country’s political movements, economy, microfinance, entrepreneurship and social development, calling them “the backbone of the nation’s resilience and progress.”

“This election is a new beginning for women and youth. Your vote is not just a ballot—it is a declaration of dignity, courage and national renewal,” he said.

Yunus said the government has deployed record numbers of law enforcement personnel, including magistrate-authorised armed forces, to ensure peaceful voting. Extensive security measures include CCTV surveillance, body cameras for officials, drone monitoring, dog squads and large-scale technological oversight.

“These measures exist for one purpose only—so citizens can vote freely, safely and with dignity,” he said.

He highlighted historic steps to expand voter inclusion, including overseas voting for expatriate Bangladeshis for the first time, postal ballots for government employees, law enforcement personnel, and eligible citizens in custody.

“This proves the state’s commitment to inclusive democracy—no citizen left behind,” Yunus said.

The chief adviser warned against misinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing the election, urging citizens to verify information and avoid spreading rumors.

He also dismissed claims that the interim government would delay transferring power, calling them baseless propaganda.

“The interim government will hand over power promptly to the elected representatives and conclude its দায়িত্ব responsibly,” he said.

Yunus urged political parties and candidates to place national interest above party interests and accept election outcomes peacefully.

“Victory and defeat are both parts of democracy. After the election, we must all work together to build a just, democratic, inclusive and accountable Bangladesh,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Yunus called on citizens to participate peacefully and enthusiastically in the vote with their families.

“The key to the nation’s future is in your hands. Use it wisely. Let February 12 be remembered as the day a new Bangladesh was born,” he said.

He added that the interim government looks forward to peacefully handing over power to the elected government and returning to normal civic life, expressing hope for a democratic transition that will define a new chapter in country’s history.