Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged voters to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum scheduled for February 12.
He made the call in a video message to the nation on Monday.
“The key to building a new Bangladesh is now in your hands,” Yunus said in the message. “If you stamp ‘Yes,’ the door to building a new Bangladesh will open. Cast the stamp yourself. Encourage everyone you know to do the same and take them to the polling center. Change the country. In Sha Allah, together we will seize this opportunity to build the nation.”
Yunus described the July mass uprising as “an extraordinary achievement in the nation’s history,” noting that it unexpectedly created an opportunity to establish democracy, justice, and human rights. “To this end, we have already implemented several reforms. For deeper and far-reaching changes, the July Charter was formulated with consensus among all political parties. Your consent is required for its implementation. A referendum has been arranged for this purpose. Participate in it and give your consent to the charter,” he said.
He also noted that the referendum will be held on the same day as the national parliamentary elections. “By voting ‘Yes’ in the referendum, Bangladesh will be freed from inequality, exploitation, and oppression. Voting ‘Yes’ means the caretaker government and the Election Commission will be formed through cooperation between the government and the opposition. The government will not be able to amend the Constitution at will. Significant changes will require public consent.
“Deputy speakers and chairpersons of key parliamentary committees will be elected from the opposition. No individual will be able to serve as Prime Minister for more than 10 years. The judiciary will operate independently. Women’s representation in parliament will increase. An upper chamber will be established to maintain the balance of power. Your fundamental rights will be further protected.
“In addition to the state language Bengali, the languages of other ethnic groups will receive constitutional recognition. Convicted offenders cannot be pardoned at the President’s discretion, and all powers will not be concentrated in the hands of a single Prime Minister. Several other important proposals are included as well,” he said.
The chief adviser concluded by urging the nation to participate in the referendum. “Take part in the upcoming election and stamp ‘Yes’ to build the state according to your expectations,” he said.