C T Online Desk: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus called on all election candidates to rise above personal and party interests and prioritize the greater interest of the nation, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election.
“I make a sincere appeal to all competing candidates—regardless of the election result, rise above personal or party interests and give priority to the greater interest of the nation. Just as victory is part of democracy, so too is defeat an inseparable truth of democracy,” Professor Yunus said in an address to the nation on Tuesday evening. “After the election, devote yourselves to building a new, just, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh together.”
Highlighting the scale of the contest, he said this election has 51 parties competing—the highest number of political parties in any election to date. Including independents, the total number of candidates exceeds 2,000, a figure rarely seen in previous national elections.
“This election is not just another routine election. It is the first national election in the country following a popular uprising. The awakening of the people against long-standing grievances, inequality, deprivation, and injustice finds its constitutional expression in this election. The demands of the streets will now be voiced through your ballots. Therefore, this election is a historic milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey,” he added.
The chief adviser emphasized that the election is also about the country’s future direction. “Through this election, we are not only electing representatives—we are simultaneously deciding the path Bangladesh will take. Will we build a state free of inequality, based on justice and accountability, or will we return to the old power-centric and unregulated cycle? The referendum will answer this question.”
No tolerance for violence or disorder
The chief adviser issued a warning to political parties. “I want to make it very clear to all political parties—give unequivocal instructions to leaders and workers at every level, from the party center to the grassroots, so that no one engages in disorder, violence, intimidation, center capture, influencing votes, or incitement. No one should spread rumors through social media or any other means. The state will not tolerate such behavior,” he said.
He underlined the importance of exercising voting rights responsibly. “Voting is not anyone’s favor; it is a fundamental right granted by our constitution. Through exercising this right, we decide the path of our future. Ensuring a free, fair, and participatory election is not only the responsibility of the government; it is the responsibility of every citizen of the state.”
Drawing on historical lessons, he said: “A flawed, questionable, or violent election ultimately benefits no one. It brings disaster to the country. Those who ignored the people’s opinion and tried to remain in power through force and illegality have ultimately faced strict accountability before the people’s court.”
Professor Yunus also addressed misinformation attempts. “Since the start of the electoral process, we have observed that a particular quarter is deliberately spreading rumors and misinformation to create doubt, fear, and confusion among citizens. Their sole purpose is to disrupt the peaceful environment of the election and weaken public trust. Be alert and responsible. Do not share any information without verification. Awareness and truth are the strongest weapons against rumors. Those who tried to deliberately create doubt in recent months have been completely proven wrong and have failed to mislead the people.”
He urged citizens to stay informed and verify information through official channels.
“Keep yourselves free from all types of propaganda. Maintain constant communication with the government to verify information. Call the Election Help Hotline—333—to get accurate information,” he added.
Awaiting handover to elected government
The chief adviser also addressed the transition of power, saying the elected government will assume office quickly after the election. “With that, the responsibility of the caretaker government will come to an end. With great joy and pride, we will hand over responsibility to the newly elected government, wish them full success, and then return to our respective duties. We are eagerly awaiting this auspicious moment,” he said.
He countered recent rumors that the caretaker government might delay the handover. “This is completely baseless and deliberate propaganda, aimed solely at disrupting our democratic transition. Rest assured, the caretaker government will complete its responsibility by transferring power to the winning representatives at the earliest possible time.”
Professor Yunus also urged voters to participate enthusiastically. “Go to the polling stations in groups and with your families in a festive spirit, and exercise your voting rights without hesitation. With your valuable vote, open the door to building a new Bangladesh. The key to the country is in your hands. Use that key correctly. May Allah guide us on the right path. Let the day of this election be the birthday of a new Bangladesh,” he said.
Appeal to women and young voters
Professor Yunus made a special appeal to women and young voters. “You have struggled equally at home and on the streets, safeguarded your children’s future, and sustained society, yet for a long time you were deprived of the opportunity to express your opinion in state decisions. This election is a new beginning for you. And our youth—whose dreams, talent, and energy form the foundation of Bangladesh’s future—this vote is your first true political expression. Therefore, I do not just request you, I demand—you leave fear behind and bring courage forward as you go to the polling stations,” he said.
He added: “You are the generation that, despite having voting rights for the past 17 years, could not cast your votes. You grew up in a reality where there was the appearance of voting—but no vote; there was a ballot—but no voter. The nation has had to bear the highest cost of this long deprivation and suppression every day. Yet you have not lost hope. You have not bowed before injustice. In protest, in movements, in thought and in dreams, you have nurtured the aspiration for a new Bangladesh.”
“Today, through the July popular uprising, that day has come to change the course of history. Especially our women—from the Liberation War to all movements in Bangladesh, from the family to the state—they have always stood as a force. Women were the front-line fighters of the July popular uprising. Women are also one of the driving forces of the country’s economy, a foundation for foreign currency earnings. Behind terms like microcredit, cottage industry, and women entrepreneurs lie stories of change, of becoming self-reliant in families and society,” he said.
Dr Yunus concluded, “Your one vote will not only elect a government; it will answer 17 years of silence, respond to unimpeded fascism, reshape the nation, and prove that this country will never again lose the voice of its youth, its women, and its struggling people.”
