Yunus casts vote in parliamentary election, referendum

The chief advisor votes in Dhaka

Muhammad Yunus, head of the interim government, has cast his vote in the parliamentary elections.

According to the Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO), Yunus voted at the Gulshan Model School and College polling centre in the capital around 10:30am on Thursday.

At the same centre, he also took part in the referendum on the July National Charter, which is being held simultaneously.

Since the election schedule was announced on Dec 11, the Election Commission (EC) carried out preparations for two months.

The contest this time broadly pits the BNP-led alliance against the Jamaat-led 11-party coalition.

Parliamentary elections and the referendum are being held in 299 of the 300 constituencies. Voting in Sherpur-3 has been postponed following the death of a candidate nominated by Jamaat-e-Islami.

In a nationwide address on the eve of the vote, Yunus described the election as a “critical moment” in the country’s political history.

“This landmark referendum and national parliamentary election will be regarded as a unique and significant chapter in Bangladesh’s political history,” he said.

Addressing voters, Yunus urged people from all walks of life to exercise their franchise responsibly and called on the administration, the EC and law-enforcing agencies to ensure a free, fair and neutral election.