Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said no one can stop the country’s march towards democracy by intimidation, terror acts or bloodshed, categorically noting that such an attempt by the 'defeated fascist terrorists' will be completely thwarted.
'I appeal to you—maintain restraint. Do not listen to propaganda or rumours. We will definitely confront the fascist terrorists who want to create unrest together. We will not fall into their trap," he said while addressing the nation in the evening on the occasion of the Great Victory Day.
State-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV), BTV News, and Bangladesh Betar simultaneously broadcast the speech.
Earlier, the Chief Adviser enjoyed Victory Day Fly Past, Parajump, and Band Display at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka.
Prof Yunus said the defeated fascist forces will never return to the sacred soil of this country.
"Dear people of the country, protect our youth. Then we all and our beloved motherland will be saved. Those who have fled the country have understood that the young fighters are a huge obstacle to their resurrection," Prof Yunus said.
He said those who fled the country are terrified of these unarmed, fearless, completely indifferent to personal interests—these everyday-looking children.
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"Their goal is to remove these obstacles before the elections and re-establish their rule. They will dream of this as long as their friends are with them," Prof Yunus said.
Once the elections are over, he said their friends will have trouble getting support.
"That is why there is such a rush. They want to ensure their return before the elections. They will do it in various ways. This secret assassination attempt is one form of it. They are preparing for a more difficult plan," Prof Yunus said.
Everyone in the country must say loudly that they will protect the youth, he said
"Those who are here following the slavery of the old days must come out of slavery. By holding festive, peaceful elections, we will all establish our complete control over the country," he said.
There are only two months left until the elections, scheduled to take place in February.
"We will keep an eye on them and make every day of the remaining days festive. Since there is no fear in the minds of our young people, they will make every moment of the two months before the elections festive," Prof Yunus said.
The country will be saved from all kinds of violence and conflicts, he said.
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Today, the Chief Adviser said they are standing on the threshold of a new history.
"This country is ours. This state is ours, its future is also in our hands. Now is our turn to move forward unitedly. We want to take this Victory Day as a golden opportunity to unite anew in national life," he said.
"It is our collective responsibility to move forward with the goal of empowering the people, taking the historical inspiration of the Great Liberation War and the July Uprising, and to advance the new journey that has begun on the path of democratic transition," Prof Yunus said.
He called for joint efforts to build a safe, happy, and beautiful Bangladesh for the new generation to fulfil the century-old struggle and freedom achieved through much hardship.
Regardless of religion, caste, group, and gender identity, he said, "Let us all join hands and move forward on the path of peace, prosperity and democracy. Let us move forward together on the path of justice, democracy, humanity, and development."
Prof Yunus once again extended his heartfelt greetings to everyone on the Great Victory Day.