Chief Adviser (CA) Prof Muhammad Yunus has congratulated the Election Commission for announcing the schedules for the 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter Implementation Order.

In a congratulatory message on Thursday, the Chief Adviser said the announcement of the schedules marks “an important milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.”

Referring to the historic mass uprising, he said the country is now moving along a new path, and the upcoming election and referendum will further strengthen that progress by giving precedence to the people’s mandate.

“I believe the Election Commission will discharge its constitutional duties independently, impartially and with the highest professionalism. The interim government will extend all necessary support to the Commission to ensure a festive, participatory and fully fair election and referendum,” he said.

Calling upon political parties, candidates, the media, civil society and the people at large, Yunus urged all to treat the election and referendum as a national unifying initiative.

“Respect for differing opinions, a peaceful environment and democratic behaviour will make the coming days more stable,” he said.

“Bangladesh stands at the threshold of a new future. I firmly believe that with your active participation and responsible conduct, we will succeed in building a modern, just and prosperous nation,” the Chief Adviser added.