‘Victory, defeat both part of democracy’

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday urged citizens to take part peacefully and confidently in the upcoming general election and referendum, reminding candidates and voters alike that “victory and defeat are integral parts of democracy” as Bangladesh stands at a decisive moment in its history.

Addressing the nation ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter, to be held tomorrow, Prof Yunus called on people to exercise their right to vote to elect a new government and to help determine the country’s future direction.

“Some days come in the life of every nation that have far-reaching significance, when the future direction of a state, the character and stability of democracy and the fate of future generations are determined,” he said. “The day after tomorrow is just such a day.”

His address was broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar.

At the outset, the chief adviser conveyed greetings to people of all ages and walks of life, and paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and the July mass uprising, saying their sacrifices had made both the election and the referendum possible.

Bangladesh, he said, is now undergoing a critical democratic transition after a prolonged struggle against authoritarianism. “The nation remains indebted forever to the common people – particularly the July fighters – whose sacrifices paved the way for this general election and the referendum,” he said.

With the formal election campaign having ended, Prof Yunus said the time had come for citizens to decide. He expressed satisfaction that campaigning had been “remarkably peaceful compared to any previous election”.
“Despite differences in opinions and ideologies, political parties have shown restraint, candidates have behaved responsibly, and the general public has remained aware,” he said, adding that this environment was the result of a collective sense of responsibility rather than chance.

He thanked political parties, candidates, voters, the Election Commission, civil society representatives, media professionals, law-enforcement agencies and the administration for helping bring the country to the threshold of polling “in an expected atmosphere”.

At the same time, he expressed deep sorrow over several violent incidents since the election schedule was announced, which claimed lives. 

“The loss of any life in the practice of democracy is unacceptable for any civilised state,” he said, noting that such violence had shaken the national conscience.

Highlighting the scale of participation, Prof Yunus said a record 51 political parties were contesting the election, with more than 2,000 candidates, including independents – figures rarely seen in past national polls.
“This election is not just another routine poll but the first national election following a mass uprising,” he said. It was, he added, “a constitutional expression of the people’s awakening” against long-standing anger, discrimination, deprivation and injustice.

“The demands once voiced on the streets will now be expressed through your ballots,” he said, describing the vote as a historic milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

Through the election and the referendum, he said, citizens would decide whether the country would move towards a non-discriminatory, just and accountable state or return to an old, power-centred and unaccountable system. “This referendum will answer that question,” he said.

Calling on all candidates to put national interest above personal or party considerations, Prof Yunus stressed that regardless of results, “both victory and defeat are integral parts of democracy”. 

He urged everyone to work together after the polls to build a new, just, democratic and inclusive Bangladesh.
Addressing young and women voters in particular, he said they had been deprived of meaningful voting opportunities for the past 17 years. 

“You grew up in a reality where there were voting masks – but no votes; there were ballots – but no voters,” he said, adding that the nation had paid a heavy price for this prolonged deprivation and oppression.
Despite this, he said, young people and women did not abandon hope, carrying the dream of a new Bangladesh through movements and protests that culminated in the July mass uprising.

He highlighted the role of women from the Liberation War through successive democratic movements, noting that women stood at the forefront of the July uprising and remain a driving force of the economy. 

Behind concepts such as microcredit, cottage industries and women entrepreneurship, he said, were stories of empowerment transforming families and society.

“You have fought equally at home and on the streets, safeguarding the future of your children, sustaining society, yet for a long time you have been deprived of the opportunity to express your views in state decisions. This election is a new beginning for you,” he said.

Turning to the youth, he added: “This vote is your first true political statement.”

He urged voters to go to polling centres “without fear and with courage”, saying a single vote would not only choose a government but also respond to “17 years of silence and unchecked fascism”, ensuring that the voices of youth, women and struggling citizens are never silenced again.

Prof Yunus said the government had taken maximum measures to ensure a free, fair, neutral and peaceful election. A record number of law-enforcement personnel, along with members of the armed forces vested with magisterial powers, have been deployed to prevent disorder or violence.

He expressed confidence that all would perform their duties with patriotism, dedication and respect for religious beliefs.

Technology, he said, was being used on an unprecedented scale, including CCTV installations, body-worn cameras for polling officials, drones and dog squads, to ensure voters can cast their ballots fearlessly and with dignity.

“We have taken historic steps to make the election more inclusive,” he said, noting that for the first time expatriate Bangladeshis would be able to vote. He added that the initiative had expanded democratic participation and attracted international interest in Bangladesh’s postal voting experience.

Postal voting facilities have also been extended to government officials on duty, law-enforcement personnel and eligible citizens in legal custody. 

“The right to vote is not a kindness of anyone; it is a fundamental right granted to us by our Constitution,” he said, stressing that ensuring a free and fair election is a shared responsibility of both the state and citizens.
He warned political parties to issue clear instructions to their leaders and activists at all levels to avoid violence, intimidation, vote manipulation, occupation of polling centres and the spread of rumours, both offline and online. “The state will not tolerate such actions,” he said.

“A flawed, questionable or violent election ultimately brings no good to anyone. Rather, it brings ruin to the country,” he warned, noting that those who sought to cling to power through force and irregularities had always faced accountability “in the court of the people”.

Cautioning against deliberate disinformation aimed at creating fear and confusion, he urged citizens to verify information and use the “Election Bondhu” hotline 333 for accurate updates. He dismissed rumours that the interim government would not hand over power as baseless propaganda, assuring that authority would be transferred swiftly to elected representatives.

On the referendum, Prof Yunus said the July National Charter was not the manifesto of any single party but the outcome of nine months of discussions with more than 30 political parties through the National Consensus Commission. He described it as a historic document reflecting the spirit of the mass uprising and a clear roadmap for future reforms.

“Your every vote here will lay the foundation for the future state system. Its impact will last for many generations,” he said, adding that a vote in the referendum would affect children’s futures, family security, education, employment, justice and democracy.

Calling for active participation, he said: “You must vote to ensure your own future.”

Once the election is completed, Prof Yunus said, the elected government would promptly assume office and the interim administration would conclude its duties. “We will return to our respective duties with great joy and pride,” he said.

Urging citizens to go to polling centres with their families in a festive spirit, he concluded: “The key to the country is in your hands. Use that key properly.” 

He expressed hope that election day would mark “the birthday of a new Bangladesh”.