Bangladesh Chief Adviser Urges Voters to End Years of Political Silence

(MENAFN) Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, urged citizens on Tuesday in a televised address to participate in the upcoming general elections, marking the first major vote since the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The elections aim to break a 17-year period of restricted voting rights, according to reports.

“I am not merely requesting you. I am demanding it. Set fear aside and bring courage forward as you head to the polling stations. Your vote will not only elect a government. It will respond to 17 years of silence, challenge unrestrained fascism, reshape the nation, and prove that this country will never let the voices of its youth, women and resilient people be silenced again,” Yunus said.

He noted that the elections, along with a referendum on constitutional reforms, will shape the “future structure and direction” of the country. Thursday’s vote is the first since the mass uprising on August 5, 2024, which led to Hasina’s ouster.

Yunus also warned that any attempts to disrupt the polls or commit acts of election violence would face a firm response. Government reports indicate that five people have died in election-related incidents since the schedule was announced in December, though some previous elections recorded higher casualties.

The chief adviser appealed to rival parties and candidates to respect the results, praising their restraint for maintaining a largely peaceful electoral environment. He also assured that his administration would transfer power promptly following the conclusion of voting.

More than 127 million voters are expected to cast their ballots under a significant security presence, according to official reports.

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