Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday encouraged voters to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum, stressing that the key to building a new Bangladesh is now in the hands of the people.

“I urge all of you to participate in the upcoming referendum. Seal ‘Yes’ to build the state according to your expectations. If you seal ‘Yes,’ the door to building a new Bangladesh will open. Put your seal on ‘Yes,’ encourage everyone you know to do the same, and bring them to the polling stations. Change the country,” he said, expressing the hope that all would take part in building the nation together.

In a televised message in the evening, Prof Yunus said the ‘July Uprising’ is an extraordinary achievement in the nation’s history. It has created an opportunity to establish democracy, justice and human rights in the life of the nation, he said.

“To this end, several reforms have already been undertaken. For more profound and far-reaching reforms, we have formulated the July Charter based on the consensus of all political parties in the country,” Prof Yunus said.

“Your consent is required to implement this July Charter. A referendum is being organized for this purpose. Participate in the referendum and give your consent to the Charter,” he added.

The Chief Adviser said the referendum will be held on the same day as the national election, on February 12. “If you vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum, Bangladesh will be free from discrimination, exploitation, and oppression.”

Prof Yunus said a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum means the government and the opposition will work together to form a caretaker government and an Election Commission.

A ‘Yes’ vote also means, he added, that the government will not be able to amend the constitution at will; for any important changes, the consent of the people will be required.

“It also provides that the Deputy Speaker and the chairpersons of key parliamentary committees will be elected from the opposition party,” Prof Yunus said.

He said a person will not be able to serve as prime minister for more than a maximum of 10 years, and the judiciary will function independently. “The representation of women in parliament will increase. An upper house will be formed in parliament to maintain a balance of power.”

Prof Yunus said a ‘Yes’ vote means people’s fundamental rights will be better protected; the state language, Bengali, will be constitutionally recognized, along with the languages of other ethnic groups.

“The president will not be able to pardon convicted criminals at will. All power will not be concentrated in the hands of the prime minister. There are several other important proposals included as well,” he explained, outlining why people should vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum.