Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 11, 2026 (BSS) – Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called upon voters of all classes and professions of the country to exercise their respective voting rights consciously in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Polls and Referendum.

“All of you should exercise your respective voting rights consciously . . . “, he said in a message this afternoon ahead of the ‘13th Jatiya Sangsad Election and Referendum-2026’ slated for tomorrow.

Extending his heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the countrymen, Prof Yunus also urged the political parties, candidates and other concerned parties to maintain restraint, tolerance and democratic behavior on the occasion.

“Through the referendum, the people of Bangladesh will express their clear views on the future state structure and governance system . . . The countrymen, through this national election, will elect people's representatives, who are competent, responsible and respectful of the people's aspirations,” the Chief Advisor hoped.

Terming this landmark referendum and general elections as a unique and significant chapter in Bangladesh’s political history, he said, “This is not just an election or a constitutional process; rather, it is an important juncture in reflecting the country’s future state system, democratic trends and people’s sovereign will as well.” 

Noting that this election is the final and institutional expression of the democratic aspirations and self-respect, he said a nation remained deprived of voting rights for a long and subsequently through the July popular uprising, the people would directly participate in taking responsibility for running the state.

“We must especially remember that it is for the first time where huge young voters are getting the opportunity to exercise their constitutional voting rights. Simultaneously, many adult citizens also remained deprived of it in the true sense for a long time,” he added.

Mentioning that a free, fair, impartial and acceptable election is the foundation of a democratic state, he said the present interim government is fully committed to achieving this goal ultimately.

“Therefore, it is the moral and constitutional responsibility of all of us to ensure that this referendum and the JS polls become a joyful, fear-free, credible and festive democratic experience for every voter,” he added.

The Chief Adviser also asked the administration, the Election Commission, the armed forces and all law enforcement agencies to perform their respective duties with the utmost professionalism, impartiality and responsibility so that country’s every citizen can freely exercise his or her voting rights without any kind of intimidation, pressure or influence. 

"Your active participation in this historic democratic journey will help us move forward collectively on the path to a peaceful, stable, inclusive and democratic Bangladesh," Prof Dr Yunus concluded.