News Flash
DHAKA, Dec 16, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged the countrymen to actively participate in the upcoming national election and referendum, saying that this polls will decide the character, structure and direction of progress of the new Bangladesh.
"This election and referendum is a historic moment in determining the future roadmap for Bangladesh. The kind of state we expect will depend on the results of the referendum. This vote will determine the character, structure, and direction of progress of the new Bangladesh," he said.
The Chief Adviser made the remarks while addressing the nation this evening on the occasion of the Victory Day 2025.
Noting that the government has issued the July National Charter as an order to ensure fundamental constitutional reforms initiated by the interim government, he said, "Now it is time to seek the citizens' approval to implement the July National Charter".
In his speech, the Chief Adviser said, "The time has now come to seek citizens' approval for the implementation of the July National Charter".
"Therefore, your decision in the upcoming election is very important. The roadmap of our democratic future will begin from here. Through this referendum, you should express your opinion for or against the reforms by casting a 'Yes' or 'No' vote," he added.
Prof Yunus noted that the Election Commission (EC) has already announced the election schedule for the general elections and referendum simultaneously on February 12 next year, saying, all necessary preparations have been finalised and the government is providing full cooperation to the EC.
Stressing that the government wants the election to be truly festive, participatory, peaceful and above all fair, he said, "We are considering every step centering the election with great importance, including security, administrative preparation, technical assistance and observation".
"We are committed to taking all necessary measures to organise a credible election," the Chief Adviser added.
He reminded citizens that building a new Bangladesh is a collective responsibility, saying, "Your valuable vote will determine the future of our state."
Prof Yunus urged the people not to view voting as a mere formality of stamping a piece of paper, instead to consider it as an active participation in building a new state, practicing democratic rights and making a direct contribution to the country's progress.
"The ownership of the country lies in your hands, and your vote is the signature of that ownership," he categorically said.
Emphasising that the role of political leadership in preserving the acceptability and sanctity of this election is immense, Prof Yunus urged all political leaders to see each other as competitors, never as enemies.
“Create such a fair, acceptable and peaceful environment for the election, so that the people of the country become more confident in the democratic process,” he said, warning that those who will loot ballot boxes are “destroyers of people’s freedom and enemies of citizens”.
The Chief Adviser stressed that protecting citizens from such acts is a collective duty and described the vote as “the letter with which the future of the people is written.”
He urged voters to cast their ballots carefully and to resist any obstruction in a disciplined manner with the help of law enforcement agencies.
“The future of all of us and of our children depends on the vote. Vote for the right people and secure the nation’s future,” Prof Yunus said.
He reminded citizens, “Protecting the vote is equal to protecting the country. Protect the vote. Protect the country,” saying, that the vote is “the wheel of the vehicle that drives the country forward”.
The Chief Adviser urged the people not to let anyone steal that wheel.
Referring to administrative preparations, he said the government has made several changes in the field administration and police administration to make them more effective, neutral and suitable for the election environment.
He clarified that these changes were not driven by favoritism or bias, but were based solely on efficiency, merit and professional competence.
“Our only goal is to ensure that every voter can cast their vote in a safe environment, free from fear and with maximum freedom,” Prof Yunus said, adding that if the Election Commission deems further steps necessary, it will take them accordingly.
Highlighting the expatriate Bangladeshis role in the July Uprising and the government initiative to enable them to cast vote this time, the Chief Adviser said they had also played such role during the country’s Liberation War in 1971. But the matter of regret is that they never got the right to vote, he added.
“As a result of the proactive initiatives of the interim government, millions of expatriates are going to vote via postal ballot for the first time,” he said, adding that this trend will continue in future.
