Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called upon voters of all classes and professions of the country to exercise their respective voting rights consciously in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Polls and Referendum. 'All of you should exercise your respective voting rights consciously . . . ', he said in a message this afternoon ahead of the '13th Jatiya Sangsad Election and Referendum-2026' slated for tomorrow.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Yunus extended his heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the countrymen, urging political parties, candidates, and other concerned parties to maintain restraint, tolerance, and democratic behavior on the occasion. He emphasized that the referendum would allow the people of Bangladesh to express their clear views on the future state structure and governance system, while the national election would enable them to elect representatives who are competent, responsible, and respectful of the people's aspirations.
Prof Yunus described this landmark referendum and general elections as a significant chapter in Bangladesh's political history, noting that it is not merely an election or a constitutional process, but an important juncture in reflecting the country's future state system, democratic trends, and people's sovereign will. He pointed out that the election is the final and institutional expression of democratic aspirations and self-respect for a nation that had been deprived of voting rights for a long time.
He highlighted the opportunity for a large number of young voters to exercise their constitutional voting rights for the first time, acknowledging that many adult citizens had also been deprived of this right for an extended period. Prof Yunus stressed that a free, fair, impartial, and acceptable election is the foundation of a democratic state, and the interim government is fully committed to achieving this goal.
Prof Yunus underscored the moral and constitutional responsibility to ensure that the referendum and the JS polls become a joyful, fear-free, credible, and festive democratic experience for every voter. He called upon the administration, the Election Commission, the armed forces, and all law enforcement agencies to perform their duties with professionalism, impartiality, and responsibility to allow citizens to exercise their voting rights freely, without any intimidation, pressure, or influence.
In conclusion, Prof Dr Yunus encouraged active participation in this historic democratic journey, asserting that it would collectively help move Bangladesh forward on a path to peace, stability, inclusivity, and democracy.