Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s future, describing the atmosphere surrounding the twin elections as festive and historic, saying it feels like Eid as the nation embarks on building a new Bangladesh.

“It is like Eid....fantastic. A big future is coming up (lies ahead of us). We are creating a new Bangladesh,” Prof Yunus said, terming the national election and referendum a historic opportunity to reshape the country’s destiny.

Casting his ballot, he said the moment marked one of the greatest joys of his life and symbolised a decisive break from the past. “Today, a new Bangladesh is born,” he said.

At every step, Prof Yunus said, they have the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh. "Let us celebrate the birthday of Bangladesh today. Let the whole nation celebrate this festival throughout the day.”

The Chief Adviser cast his vote at the Gulshan Model School and College polling centre in the capital.

“It is a day of immense happiness in my life. It is also a day of great joy and liberation for the people of Bangladesh,” he added.

Referring to the ongoing electoral process, Prof Yunus said it signifies the end of the past and the beginning of a renewed national framework grounded in hope and reform.

He said people across the country are observing the day in a celebratory mood, embracing it as a national festival.

After casting his vote, the Chief Adviser visited Badda High School polling centre and another centre in Mirpur to inspect the election environment.

During the visits, he spoke with voters and election officials.

‘Today, a new Bangladesh is born,’ Prof Adviser Yunus

Prof Yunus also monitored the nationwide voting situation from the control room at Police Headquarters.

Home Affairs Adviser Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam were present.

Later, he observed the overall voting situation from the temporary observation room set up at the State Guest House Jamuna.