The streets of Dhaka buzzed with anticipation on Thursday when Bangladesh’s interim chief advisor, Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, cast his vote shortly after 10:20 AM at the Gulshan Model High School and College during the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections. Speaking exuberantly to the media outside, Yunus hailed the polls as ‘the birthday of a new Bangladesh,’ a powerful metaphor for national rejuvenation.
Declaring it a day brimming with joy, Yunus stressed that the grim yesteryears are history now. He implored widespread participation in the elections and referendum, extending Eid greetings to amplify communal harmony.
In sync, CEC AMM Nasir Uddin, after voting locally, foresaw seamless proceedings, framing them as a ‘democratic festival present.’ He likened the turnout to Eid migrations and boasted of rave reviews from international watchdogs he met recently.
Dhaka-8 hopeful Nasiruddin Patwari (NCP-Jamaat alliance) lauded the tranquil vibe at centers like Ramabag High School, downplaying prior supporter clashes. ‘Smooth sailing since morning,’ he quipped to press. Pegging success to Usman Hadi’s memory—the Inquilab Mancha figure gunned down in 2025 daylight ambush, dying post-Singapore care amid riots—Patwari senses voter sympathy channeling his way.
As Bangladesh navigates this electoral milestone, Yunus’s words echo a promise of closure on violence-plagued politics, heralding an era of stability and hope.