Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said voting right is not anyone’s charity as it is people’s constitutional right.

“By exercising this right we decide which path our future will take. Ensuring a free, fair and participatory election is not only the responsibility of the government but of every citizen of the state,” the Chief Adviser said in a video message marking the launch of an awareness campaign on the election and the referendum at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

A nationwide awareness campaign for the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter began with 10 vote vehicles-Super Caravan.

Prof Yunus described the Super Caravan as more than just vehicles as they carry the joyful message of democracy and will remind people how important a single vote is and how participation, not apathy, strengthens democracy.

He urged young people, women voters and first-time voters to come forward, ask questions, seek information, understand the issues and cast their votes. “Your decisions will shape tomorrow’s Bangladesh, a new Bangladesh.”

He said the government is committed to ensuring an election environment free from fear and obstacles where people can express their views freely and without intimidation.

“You are the owners of the country. You will decide who will run it for the next five years. Vote for your preferred candidate. Choose honest and capable candidates and vote with careful thought,” he said.

He said the 10 Super Caravan vehicles will travel in all 64 districts and 300 upazilas of the country to disseminate information on the election and the referendum, raise awareness about voting rights and spread the message of democracy.

The Chief Adviser said voters will cast an additional vote in the upcoming referendum on the July National Charter which was prepared through months of discussions with all political parties.

“If you endorse it, I believe the charter would help guide the country safely for many years. If you support this charter, please vote yes in the referendum,” he said.

Prof Yunus urged all to make the democratic journey successful by voting for themselves, for the country and for future generations.

Information Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed, and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam jointly opened the programme by cutting a ribbon.