The interim government has inaugurated the “Voter Gari” (vehicles of vote) campaign to raise awareness about voting rights and promote the message of democracy across the country ahead of the 13th national election and the referendum on the implementation of the July Charter.
The campaign was inaugurated on Monday at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
As part of the initiative, a “Super Caravan” comprising ten vehicles will travel across all 64 districts and 300 upazilas, visiting communities door to door to disseminate information about the upcoming election scheduled to be held in February next year.
“This Super Caravan is not just a vehicle; it is a convoy carrying the joyful message of democracy,” Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said in a video message at the Parliament Secretariat.
“It will inform people of the importance of a single vote and remind us that participation, not inactivity, strengthens democracy,” he added.
Noting that the country is passing through a critical phase with both the national parliamentary election and the referendum ahead, he said the government is firmly committed to ensuring an environment in which voters can exercise their franchise without fear.
“We want an election free from fear and obstruction—an election where there is only the free and fearless expression of the people’s will,” he said. “The government is firmly committed to ensuring such an environment.”
“You are the owners of the country,” he added. “You will decide who governs the country on your behalf for the next five years.”
The chief adviser said voting rights is not a favour from anyone rather it is constitutional rights.
“By right to franchise, we decide which path our future will take. Ensuring a free, fair, and participatory election is not only the responsibility of the government, rather it is the responsibility of every citizen of the state,” he said.
Yunus urged the youth, women voters, and first-time voters to come forward and ask questions, learn, understand, and vote for the preferred candidates.
“Your decision will shape the Bangladesh of tomorrow—a new Bangladesh,” he said.
Over the referendum on the July Charter, he said this charter was prepared through continuous discussions over nine long months with all political parties.
“I firmly believe that if the people accept this charter, the country will remain secure for many years to come. If you support this charter, then be sure to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum,” he said.
Information and Broadcasting adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Cultural Affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Election Commission Secretariat senior secretary Akhtar Ahmed and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam formally inaugurated the voting vehicles by cutting the ribbon at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
