Chief Adviser Calls for Unity, Youth Protection, and Peaceful Elections to Build a New Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Calls for Unity, Youth Protection, and Peaceful Elections to Build a New Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday called for collective efforts to protect the country’s youth and ensure a peaceful, festive election to help build a new Bangladesh, while resisting what he described as the ill designs of defeated fascist and terrorist forces.

“Protect our youth. If we protect them, we protect ourselves and our beloved motherland,” he said in an address to the nation on the occasion of Victory Day 2025.

Referring to the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, a frontline fighter of the July Uprising and spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, Professor Yunus said the incident underscored the urgent need to safeguard young leaders.

At the beginning of his address, he extended heartfelt greetings to people of all ages and walks of life at home and abroad on Victory Day.

Recalling that Bangladesh achieved its long-cherished independence on this historic day in 1971 through the sacrifices of millions of martyrs after a nine-month Liberation War, the chief adviser paid deep tribute to the fallen heroes.

He said that while the victory of 1971 ushered in a new dawn, in recent years the nation’s democratic spirit had been dimmed by autocracy and fascism.

However, he said, the July Uprising—driven by students and the mass public—has once again created an opportunity to establish a “discrimination-free, corruption-free, independent, sovereign, and democratic state system.”

Professor Yunus warned that forces defeated by the uprising and forced to flee the country now view fearless, unarmed youth as the main obstacle to their return to power.

“They know that once the elections are over, their allies will struggle to gain support,” he said. “That is why there is such urgency. They want to return before the polls—through various means. This covert attempt on a young leader’s life is one such method, and they are prepared with even more dangerous plans.”

Calling on citizens to act together, he said, “Everyone must say loudly, ‘We will protect the youth.’ Together, we will establish our full control over the country by holding peaceful and festive elections.”

Urging people to remain vigilant and united, Professor Yunus said the weeks leading up to the polls should remain festive and free from violence.

“Our teenagers and young people are fearless,” he said. “They will turn every moment of the coming months into a celebration and keep the country safe from violence and conflict.”

Speaking about the attack on Hadi, the chief adviser said he addressed the nation “with a very heavy heart.”

“This was not just an attack on an individual,” he said. “It was an attack on the existence of Bangladesh and on our democratic journey.”

He said Hadi remains in critical condition and that the government has taken all necessary steps to ensure his treatment and security.

“He has been sent to Singapore for advanced medical care,” Professor Yunus said, urging the nation to pray for his recovery.

Stressing that the government is treating the incident with the utmost seriousness, he said those involved have been preliminarily identified.

“I assure the people that no one involved in this conspiracy will be spared, wherever they may be,” he said.

He further declared that the attempt by defeated fascist and terrorist forces would be completely thwarted.

“No one can stop Bangladesh’s democratic progress through intimidation, terrorism, or bloodshed,” he said.

Calling for restraint, Professor Yunus urged citizens not to fall prey to rumors or propaganda.

“We must confront those who seek to create unrest with unity and calm. We must not fall into their trap,” he said, adding that “the defeated fascist forces will never return to the sacred soil of this country.”

Regarding the illness of BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the chief adviser said her condition is a matter of concern for the entire nation.

He said the interim government has given the highest priority to her treatment and is ensuring all necessary cooperation in line with her family’s wishes, including arrangements for advanced medical care abroad if required.