“Let This Election Day Be the Birthday of a New Bangladesh”

In his address to the nation broadcast live on Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar at 7:00 PM today (Tuesday, 10 February), he said:

“Cast your valuable vote with confidence and open the door to building a new Bangladesh. The key to the country is in your hands—use it wisely. May Allah guide us on the right path. Let this election day be the birthday of a new Bangladesh.”

Full Address to the Nation

Dear Countrymen,

Adolescents, youths, students, women and men, young and old—
I extend my heartfelt greetings and salutations to you all.

Assalamu Alaikum.

Today, I stand before you at an extremely significant, historic, and future-defining moment. Just one day remains before the 13th National Parliamentary Election is held across the country, alongside the referendum on the July National Charter. This is a day the nation has long aspired for.

With deep respect and humility, I remember all the martyrs of the মহান Liberation War and the July Mass Uprising—whose blood earned us Bangladesh and whose sacrifices in the long struggle against autocracy have once again brought us to the threshold of democratic transition. Without the sacrifices of the people—especially the July fighters—neither this election nor this referendum would have been possible. The nation remains eternally indebted to them.

In the life of every nation, there come days of profound consequence—days that determine the future direction of the state, the character and sustainability of democracy, and the fate of generations to come. The day after tomorrow is such a day. On that day, two votes will be held: one to form a new government, and another to determine the future structure of our beloved Bangladesh through a referendum.

Official election campaigning has now concluded. The time has come for collective decision-making. As a citizen entrusted with state responsibility, I consider it my moral and constitutional duty to share a few important thoughts with you.

First, I wish to express deep satisfaction and gratitude that this election campaign has been markedly more peaceful than any previous election. Despite differences in opinion and ideology, political parties have shown restraint, candidates have acted responsibly, and citizens have remained vigilant. This environment did not emerge overnight—it is the result of collective responsibility.

For this, I extend sincere thanks to all political parties, candidates, voters, the Election Commission, representatives of civil society, media professionals, and every member of the administration and law enforcement agencies involved in the election process. Through your combined efforts, we have reached the doorstep of a hopeful election.

Yet even amid this calm, our hearts are heavy with sorrow. Since the announcement of the election schedule and during the campaign period, several violent incidents have claimed precious lives. Such violence has shaken our national conscience. The loss of even one life in the practice of democracy is unacceptable for any civilized state.

Dear Countrymen,

A total of 51 political parties are contesting this election—the highest number in our history. Including independent candidates, the total number of candidates exceeds two thousand, a figure rarely seen in past national elections.

This election is not just another routine exercise. It is the first national election following a mass uprising. The public awakening against long-standing grievances, discrimination, deprivation, and injustice is now finding constitutional expression through this vote. What was once voiced on the streets will now be articulated through the ballot. This election marks a historic milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

Through this election, we are not merely choosing representatives—we are deciding which path Bangladesh will take. Will we build a just, equitable, and accountable state, or will we return to old, centralized, and unaccountable power structures? The referendum will answer this question.

I urge all contesting candidates: regardless of the outcome, rise above personal or party interests and prioritize the greater national good. Victory is part of democracy, and so is defeat. After the election, let us all work together to build a new, just, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh.

Dear Countrymen,

Today, I wish to speak especially to young voters and women voters—those who, despite having the right to vote for the past 17 years, were denied the opportunity to exercise it. You grew up in a reality where elections existed in name, ballots existed, but voters did not. The nation has paid a heavy price for this prolonged deprivation.

Yet you did not lose hope. You did not bow before injustice. Through protest, thought, and dreams, you nurtured the vision of a new Bangladesh. That day has arrived through the July Mass Uprising.

Our women, from the Liberation War to every democratic movement, have stood as pillars of strength—from family to state. They were frontline fighters in the July uprising. They are a driving force of our economy and foreign exchange earnings. Behind microcredit, cottage industries, and women entrepreneurship lies a story of transformation and empowerment.

You have struggled both at home and in the streets, protected the future of your children, sustained society—yet were long deprived of a voice in state decision-making. This election marks a new beginning for you.

And our youth—whose dreams, intellect, and energy form the foundation of tomorrow’s Bangladesh—this vote is your first true political expression.

Therefore, I do not merely request—I demand: leave fear behind, embrace courage, and go to the polling centers. Your single vote will not only elect a government—it will answer 17 years of silence, reject unrestrained authoritarianism, rebuild the nation, and prove that this country will never again silence the voices of its youth, women, and struggling people.

Dear Citizens,

The government has taken maximum measures to ensure a free, fair, impartial, and peaceful election. A record number of law enforcement personnel have been deployed, along with armed forces members vested with magistracy powers to swiftly and firmly counter any disorder or violence. I firmly believe they will fulfill their sacred duty with integrity, patriotism, and dedication.

For the first time, extensive CCTV coverage has been installed nationwide. Election officials are using body-worn cameras. Drones and dog squads are also deployed for security and surveillance—solely to ensure voters can cast their ballots fearlessly, peacefully, and with dignity.

To make this election more inclusive, historic steps have been taken. For the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis have been granted voting rights. This expansion of democracy has drawn interest from several countries observing our experience closely.

Additionally, government officials on duty, law enforcement members, and eligible citizens in legal custody or prison have been allowed to vote via postal ballots—demonstrating that the state seeks to move forward with everyone included.

The right to vote is not a favor—it is a constitutional right. Ensuring a free and fair election is not the government’s responsibility alone; it is the duty of every citizen.

I clearly urge all political parties to instruct their leaders and activists at every level to refrain from violence, intimidation, rumor-mongering, vote manipulation, or incitement—offline or online. The state will not tolerate such behavior.

History teaches us that flawed, disputed, or violent elections bring harm to all. Those who sought to cling to power through force and irregularities ultimately faced the judgment of the people.

We are witnessing attempts by a vested group to spread rumors and misinformation to create fear and distrust. Their sole objective is to disrupt the peaceful environment and weaken public confidence.

Remain vigilant and responsible. Do not share unverified information. Truth and awareness are the strongest weapons against rumors. Those who attempted to create doubt over the past months have been proven completely wrong. Their efforts have failed.

If in doubt, contact the government’s Election Hotline: 333.

There is also a false claim circulating that the interim government will not hand over power to elected representatives. This is entirely baseless propaganda. Be assured: the interim government will transfer power promptly after the election and conclude its duties.

Dear Countrymen,

We stand only hours away from a historic election made possible by the 2024 Mass Uprising. When we believed we would have to endure another sham election, our children shattered the chains of subjugation with their roar. At the cost of thousands of lives, we have reached this day.

The memories of those days remain vivid. The walls of the nation still bear the graffiti of students from schools, colleges, madrasas, and universities—calling for change and reform.

The July National Charter is not a party manifesto. It was prepared by the National Consensus Commission after nine months of discussions with over 30 political parties. It is a historic document outlining the nation’s future path, reflecting the spirit of the uprising and the people’s aspirations.

Reforms alone cannot succeed through state machinery. They require public participation. National transformation cannot be sustained through unilateral decisions. The people are the true source of power.

That is why this referendum has been organized—so citizens can directly decide the future direction of reforms. Each vote will shape the state structure for generations.

Your vote in the referendum is not just a mark on paper—it determines your child’s future, your family’s security, and the nation’s path forward.

Therefore, I urge you all to actively participate. Vote. Secure your own future.

Let us make this historic moment successful through responsibility, awareness, and peaceful participation. Not fear—but hope; not indifference—but duty; not division—but unity.

Dear Countrymen,

Once the election is completed, the elected government will assume office, and the interim government will conclude its role with pride and joy, wishing the new government every success.

Come to the polling centers in a festive spirit with your families. Cast your vote confidently. Open the door to a new Bangladesh.

The key to the country is in your hands—use it wisely.
May Allah guide us on the right path.

Let this election day be the birthday of a new Bangladesh.

Allah grant us success.

Thank you all.
Allah Hafez.