Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus delivered a televised address on Victory Day 2025, calling for national unity, peaceful elections, and public endorsement of the July National Charter through the upcoming February 12 general election and referendum. He condemned the recent attack on activist Sharif Osman Hadi, describing it as an assault on democracy, and assured that those responsible would face justice. Yunus also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring medical care for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

The Chief Adviser highlighted major institutional reforms, including judicial independence, a new Police Commission Ordinance, and a restructured Human Rights Commission. He emphasized that the July Charter represents a historic opportunity for citizens to shape a corruption-free, accountable democracy. For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis will be able to vote by postal ballot. Yunus urged all political parties to ensure a festive, violence-free election environment.

Analysts view the speech as a defining moment in Bangladesh’s democratic transition, setting the tone for a potentially transformative election that could determine the country’s political and constitutional trajectory for decades.