Cast vote fearlessly, your vote will shape nation: Yunus

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday evening (February 10) has urged citizens to recognise the importance of voting and participate responsibly in the upcoming elections.

He said, “Your vote will not only elect a government, it will answer 17 years of silence, challenge unchecked authoritarianism, reshape the nation, and prove that the voice of the country’s youth, women, and resilient citizens will never be ignored again.”

The Chief Adviser highlighted that the 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum on the National Register will be held nationwide in just one day, marking a long-awaited moment for the nation. He also paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and the July popular uprising, noting that without their sacrifices, this election and referendum would not have been possible.

Praising the peaceful electoral environment, Yunus said, “Political parties have shown restraint, candidates have acted responsibly, and ordinary citizens have remained vigilant. This is a result of collective responsibility. I thank all political parties, candidates, voters, the Election Commission, civil society, and media personnel for this.”

He noted that 51 parties are contesting in the election, with over 2,000 candidates, making it the first national election held after the popular uprising. Yunus emphasized, “Through this election, we are not just selecting representatives; we are deciding the path Bangladesh will follow—whether it will be fair and inclusive or return to old power-centered ways.”

Addressing young and female voters, he said, “For the past 17 years, despite having the right to vote, you could not exercise it. This election marks a new beginning for you. For the first time, you will make your true political voice heard.”