Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said Bangladeshis are not only choosing representatives on Feb 12 but also determining “which path the nation will take,” tying the general election to a referendum on sweeping constitutional reforms. In a televised address to the nation, he framed the ballot as a choice between building a fair, accountable state and returning to “old, power-centric” politics.
Yunus paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and to those killed during last year’s July uprising, calling the upcoming vote a constitutional expression of that street-level demand for change. He praised a comparatively calm campaign and thanked parties, candidates, voters, the Election Commission, media and security agencies, while mourning several election-period deaths from isolated violence.
Addressing first-time participants, he urged youth and women to “replace fear with courage” and vote, saying their ballots would answer “17 years of silence.” He highlighted first-ever overseas voting for expatriates and expanded postal ballots for on-duty officials, law-enforcement members and eligible detainees—measures he said were meant to make the process more inclusive.
On security and integrity, Yunus said a record deployment of law-enforcers and magistracy-backed armed forces would secure polling, supported by extensive CCTV, body-worn cameras, drones and K-9 units. He warned parties against disorder, intimidation or disinformation, urging leaders to instruct grassroots workers to keep the peace. Citizens were asked to verify rumors and use the 333 hotline for official information.
Linking the election to the referendum on the “July Charter,” he said a “yes” vote would authorize a time-bound process to restructure key state institutions and electoral governance. Regardless of outcomes, he appealed to all candidates to put national interest above party considerations and to help build an inclusive, democratic Bangladesh.
Responding to speculation that the interim administration might overstay, Yunus pledged a rapid transfer of power to the newly elected government. “Your vote will write the next chapter,” he said, inviting families to turn election day into a national civic festival across Bangladesh.