Bangladesh will be free from discrimination, exploitation if 'Yes' wins in referendum: CA Yunus

Bangladesh will be free from discrimination, exploitation and oppression if the "Yes" vote prevails in the upcoming referendum, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said today (19 January).

"I call upon you to take part in the referendum; seal 'Yes' to build the state according to your expectations, the key to building a new Bangladesh is now in your hands," Yunus said.

He made the remarks in a televised address delivered virtually, calling on voters to cast their ballots in favour of the "Yes" option in the referendum scheduled for 12 February.

Noting that a "Yes" vote will open the door to a new Bangladesh, the chief adviser also encouraged voters to motivate everyone they know to support it and bring them to polling centres, saying, "Change the country."

Describing the July Uprising as an extraordinary milestone in the nation's history, Yunus said it created a historic opportunity to establish democracy, justice and human rights in the nation's life.

"To this end, we have made several reforms. We have formulated the July Charter through consensus among all political parties in the country to pursue deeper and long-term reforms. Your consent is needed to implement this July Charter."

Participate in the referendum and give your consent to the charter, he said.

Explaining the implications of a "Yes" vote, he said it would ensure that the government and opposition jointly work on forming a caretaker government and an independent Election Commission, while preventing the government from amending the constitution at its will without public approval for major changes.

The chief adviser said the proposed reforms also include provisions for electing the deputy speaker and chairpersons of key parliamentary committees from the opposition, limiting any individual to serving as prime minister for a maximum of 10 years, and ensuring an independent judiciary.

Other key proposals outlined in his address include increasing women's representation in parliament, establishing an upper house to maintain a balance of power, strengthening protection of fundamental rights, and granting constitutional recognition to the languages of ethnic communities alongside Bangla.

The chief adviser further said the president cannot pardon a convicted criminal at will and that executive power would not remain concentrated in the hands of a single prime minister.

"And many other important reforms like these are included," the chief adviser added.