Bangladesh to be freed from discrimination, if ‘Yes’ vote wins : CA
Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday said Bangladesh will be liberated from discrimination, exploitation, and oppression if the “Yes” vote wins in the upcoming referendum.
In a pre-recorded televised address broadcast on various media outlets, the Chief Adviser urged citizens to vote in favour of the “Yes” option in the referendum to shape the country according to the people’s aspirations.
“I call upon all of you to take part in the referendum during the upcoming elections and cast your vote for ‘Yes’ to build the state you desire,” he said.
“The key to building a new Bangladesh is now in your hands. A ‘Yes’ vote will open the door to creating that new Bangladesh,” Prof Yunus added.
He encouraged voters not only to cast their own ballots but also to motivate others to vote “Yes” and ensure their participation at polling stations, calling on citizens to work together to transform the country.
Describing the July mass uprising as a historic and unprecedented event, the Chief Adviser said it unexpectedly created an opportunity to establish democracy, justice, and human rights in Bangladesh.
He noted that several reforms have already been initiated in line with the spirit of the July uprising and said that a July Charter has been formulated through consensus among all political parties to implement deeper and more comprehensive reforms.
“Now your consent is required to implement this July Charter, and that is why a referendum has been arranged,” he said, urging people to participate and express their approval.
The referendum will be held on February 12, the same day as the national parliamentary election. “If the ‘Yes’ vote prevails, Bangladesh will be free from discrimination, exploitation, and oppression,” Prof Yunus said.
He explained that a “Yes” vote would ensure cooperation between the government and the opposition in forming a caretaker government and the Election Commission.
It would also prevent the government from unilaterally amending the Constitution, requiring public approval for any major constitutional changes. Under the charter, the Deputy Speaker and chairs of key parliamentary committees would be elected from opposition benches.
According to the proposed charter, no individual would be allowed to serve as Prime Minister for more than ten years.
The judiciary would function independently, women’s representation in Parliament would increase, and an upper house would be introduced to maintain a balance of power.
He further said that fundamental rights would receive stronger protection and that, alongside Bangla as the state language, the languages of ethnic communities would receive constitutional recognition.
Prof Yunus added that the proposed reforms would restrict the President’s authority to pardon convicted criminals arbitrarily, prevent excessive concentration of power in the Prime Minister’s office, and include several other significant changes outlined in the charter.