CA congratulates EC on announcing timeline for general election, referendum

Bangladesh is on the brink of a new era, he says

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has congratulated the Election Commission (EC) after it announced the schedule for the parliamentary election and a referendum on implementing the July Charter.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has set Thursday, Feb 12, for the dual balloting.

“Bangladesh’s democratic journey has crossed an important milestone with the announcement of this schedule,” said Yunus in his message.

“After the historic mass uprising, the country is moving forward on a new path—this election and referendum will strengthen the journey, prioritising people’s voice and consolidating the foundation of a new Bangladesh,” he said in the message.

He hoped the EC will carry out its constitutional duties “independently, impartially, and with the highest degree of professionalism”.

He promised to extend all forms of support to the EC to ensure that the election and referendum are conducted in a festive, participatory, and fully transparent manner.

The interim government initiated state reforms after the fall of the Awami League government on Aug 5 following the July Uprising.

Following the mass uprising on August 5 last year, which led to the fall of the Awami League, the interim government took the initiative for state reforms.

The July National Charter represents parties’ consensus on reforms proposed.

The EC’s announcement of the election and referendum date on the same day followed the decision the interim government had taken to hand power over to an elected government.

Yunus urged political parties, candidates, civil society members, and the nation to consider the election and referendum as an effort to achieve national unity.

“Respect for dissent, a peaceful environment, and democratic conduct will make our days ahead even more stable,” the chief advisor said in his message.

“Bangladesh is about to enter a new era,” he said.

“I firmly believe that through the active participation and responsible conduct of all of you, we will succeed in building a modern, just, and prosperous nation.”