Professor Muhammad Yunus Urges ‘Yes’ Vote in Feb 12 Referendum
Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on citizens to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum scheduled for February 12. He made the appeal in a video message to the nation on Monday, January 19.
In his address, Professor Yunus said, “The key to building a New Bangladesh is now in your hands. By stamping ‘Yes’, the door to a New Bangladesh will open. Cast your own vote for ‘Yes’. Encourage everyone you know to do the same and bring them to the polling centres. Change the country.”
Describing the July mass uprising as an extraordinary achievement in the nation’s history, the Chief Adviser said it unexpectedly created an opportunity to establish democracy, justice and people’s rights. “We have already carried out several reforms. For deeper and far-reaching reforms, a July Charter has been prepared based on consensus among all political parties. Your approval is required to implement this charter, which is why the referendum has been arranged,” he said, urging citizens to participate and give their consent.
Professor Yunus noted that the referendum will be held on the same day as the national parliamentary election, February 12. He explained that voting ‘Yes’ would pave the way for a Bangladesh free from discrimination, exploitation and oppression. According to him, a ‘Yes’ vote would ensure that the government and opposition jointly form a caretaker government and an Election Commission, and prevent unilateral amendments to the Constitution by any government.
He further outlined key proposals included in the charter, such as requiring public consent for major constitutional changes, electing the Deputy Speaker and chairs of important parliamentary committees from the opposition, limiting the tenure of any individual as Prime Minister to a maximum of 10 years, ensuring judicial independence, increasing women’s representation in parliament, and establishing an upper house to maintain a balance of power.
Additional provisions include stronger protection of fundamental rights, constitutional recognition of indigenous and ethnic languages alongside Bangla, restrictions on the President’s discretionary power to grant pardons to convicted criminals, and preventing the concentration of all state power in the hands of a single Prime Minister.
Calling on the nation once again, Professor Yunus said, “Take part in the referendum alongside the upcoming election. Cast your vote for ‘Yes’ to shape the state according to your aspirations.”
He concluded, “Inshallah, together we will seize this opportunity to rebuild the nation.”
DBTech/DP/EK/OR
