Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called upon the countrymen to participate in the referendum during the upcoming elections and cast 'Yes' vote to build the state according to their expectations. 'I urge all of you to participate in the upcoming referendum and stamp on 'Yes' to build the state according to your expectations,' he said in a pre-recorded message aired on different media outlets this evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Yunus emphasized the importance of the referendum, stating that the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh is in the hands of the citizens. He urged not only individual participation in the vote but also encouraged citizens to motivate others to vote 'Yes' and bring them to the polling stations, emphasizing a collective effort to change the country.
Prof Yunus highlighted the July mass uprising as a pivotal event in the nation's history, unexpectedly providing an opportunity to establish democracy, justice, and human rights. He noted that several reforms have already been initiated in alignment with the spirit of the uprising, and emphasized the need for deeper reforms through the July Charter, which was formulated with a consensus among all political parties.
The Chief Adviser pointed out that the referendum, scheduled to coincide with the national parliamentary election on February 12, requires public consent to implement the July Charter. A 'Yes' vote in the referendum, he explained, signifies a commitment to a Bangladesh free from discrimination, exploitation, and oppression.
Explaining the implications of a 'Yes' vote, Prof Yunus stated that it would lead to governmental and opposition collaboration in forming a caretaker government and Election Commission. Furthermore, it would prevent any arbitrary amendments to the Constitution, requiring public consent for significant changes. The Charter also proposes that the Deputy Speaker and chairpersons of important parliamentary committees be elected from the opposition.
According to the proposed changes, no individual would be able to serve as Prime Minister for more than ten years, the judiciary would operate independently, women's representation in Parliament would increase, and an upper house would be established to maintain a balance of power. Additionally, alongside Bangla, the languages of other ethnic communities would receive constitutional recognition, and the President would be restricted from pardoning convicted criminals at will. The Prime Minister's concentration of power would be limited, and several other significant proposals are included in the Charter.