Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday urged citizens to participate fearlessly in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and the referendum on the July National Charter, calling the twin votes a historic opportunity to shape Bangladesh’s future democratic and state structure.

In a nation address on the eve of the polls, Prof Yunus said the election is not merely about forming a new government but represents the first national election following the July mass uprising and a constitutional expression of the people’s long-suppressed aspirations.

“One vote will not only elect a government—it will answer 17 years of silence, challenge unchecked authoritarianism and determine the future direction of the state,” he said.

At the outset of his address, the Chief Adviser paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and the July uprising, saying their sacrifices made the election and referendum possible. The nation, he said, remains eternally indebted to them.

He noted that in just one day, citizens will cast two crucial votes—one to elect representatives and the other to decide the future reform framework of the state through the referendum on the July Charter.

Prof Yunus expressed satisfaction over the largely peaceful election campaign, saying it reflected collective responsibility shown by political parties, candidates, voters, the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, the administration and the media.

However, he also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in isolated incidents of election-related violence, saying no loss of life can ever be acceptable in a democratic process.

The Chief Adviser said a record 51 political parties are contesting the election, with more than 2,000 candidates, including independents—the highest level of participation in the country’s electoral history.

Describing the election as the constitutional outcome of the July uprising, he said the ballot will now echo the demands once raised on the streets. “The referendum will decide whether Bangladesh moves towards a just, accountable and discrimination-free state or returns to an old, power-centric system,” he added.

Addressing young and women voters in particular, Prof Yunus said millions of them had been deprived of genuine voting opportunities for 17 years despite having voting rights. This election, he said, marks a new beginning for them.

“This vote is your first true political expression,” he told young voters.

On security, the Chief Adviser said unprecedented measures have been taken to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election, including deployment of a record number of law enforcement personnel, magistracy-empowered armed forces members, CCTV surveillance, body cameras, drones and dog squads.

Highlighting inclusivity, he said expatriate Bangladeshis are voting for the first time, expanding the democratic space. Postal ballots have also been introduced for government officials on duty, law enforcement members and eligible citizens in custody.

Warning against misinformation, Prof Yunus said a vested quarter is spreading rumours to undermine public confidence in the polls. He urged citizens not to share unverified information and to rely on official sources, including the election hotline 333.

Dismissing rumours that the interim government would delay handing over power, he said such claims are baseless. “Power will be transferred swiftly to the elected representatives,” he assured.

On the July National Charter, the Chief Adviser said it is not a partisan document but the outcome of nine months of dialogue with over 30 political parties through the National Consensus Commission. The charter, he said, outlines the future reform path of the state.

“Lasting national transformation cannot be imposed—it must come through people’s consent,” he said, explaining the rationale behind holding the referendum.

Concluding his address, Prof Yunus said the interim government will step aside with pride once the elected government assumes office. He called on citizens to go to polling centres with their families in a festive atmosphere.

“Let this voting day mark the birth of a new Bangladesh,” he said.