Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said he, on behalf of the interim government, will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner so that the Election Commission can hold the national election before the next Ramadan in February next.
"Now it is our turn to fulfill our final duty - holding the election. As I address you on this great day, we will enter our final and most important chapter. We will now begin the process of handing over responsibility to an elected government," Prof Yunus said, referring to the approaching election to be held in 2026.
In a televised speech on the occasion of July Uprising Day, Prof Yunus hoped that the citizens of this country can successfully move forward in the efforts of building a 'New Bangladesh' by conducting the election successfully.
The speech was broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television, BTV News and Bangladesh Betar.
"We, on behalf of the government, will provide all kinds of help and cooperation so that this election can be conducted in a fair, peaceful and festive manner," Prof Yunus said.
Stating that the election is approaching, he urged all those who are now staying away from their constituencies to start visiting them regularly from now on—so that they can be well prepared to elect the best candidates.
“As we cast our vote, let the faces of those who shed their fresh blood to restore this precious (voting) right appear before our eyes,” the Chief Adviser said.
He said February is not too far away, and by the time preparations for the election get underway, the voting day will arrive.
“For many years, no one of us could exercise our right to vote. This time, we all will cast our votes. No one will be left out. Let each of us be able to say, ‘I cast my vote to set the country on the path to building a new Bangladesh. It was my vote that helped the country take that path,’” Prof Yunus said, pointing at the voters.
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“On this July Mass Uprising Day, I urge all citizens—let us pass the first major test of building a ‘New Bangladesh’ together,” he said.
Prof Yunus said they will all start mental preparations and institutional arrangements from tomorrow to complete all the arrangements so that this election becomes a memorable event in the history of the country in terms of joy and celebrations, peace and order, voter turnout, harmony and sincerity.
Prof Yunus said the desired goal has been achieved in terms of reforms, as under the coordination of the National Consensus Commission, all political parties in the country engaged in continuous discussions over a long period, and as a result, the 'July Charter' has reached its final stage.
“The July Charter is a historic achievement. It will be remembered not only in our political history but also in the broader political arena. Not just the document itself, but the process of drafting it will also be remembered,” he said.
On behalf of the nation, the Chief Adviser expressed his deepest gratitude and thanks to the leaders of all political parties and the members of the Consensus Commission—especially Professor Ali Riaz, who led this initiative.
He said representatives of the political parties took part in the discussions of the Consensus Commission in a very cordial atmosphere.
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Despite differences of opinion, the Chief Adviser said, there was a sincere effort from all parties to build consensus. “We hope that, based on this consensus, the political parties will soon sign the July Charter and also reach an agreement on its implementation.”
He also hoped that the July Charter would ensure the smooth transfer of power in Bangladesh, strengthen the independence and capacity of accountable state institutions, guarantee the genuine implementation of citizens' rights, and ensure proper management of state resources and capabilities.
“We must ensure that no future government can ever become fascist again. The state must be reformed in such a way that any sign of fascism, anywhere, can be immediately rooted out. We should not have to wait another 16 years, and many people should not have to sacrifice their lives again. We should not need another mass uprising,” Prof Yunus said.
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He said the trial in the cases filed in connection with crimes against humanity in July-August last year is progressing firmly. “The formal hearing phase of the trial has also begun. Those involved in the brutal massacres in history will be brought to justice on the soil of this country.”
The Chief Adviser said the trial process and its outcomes will gradually be disclosed to the people. “The entire trial procedure is being kept transparent and visible to the people of the country.”