Ten specially branded voter awareness vehicles, dubbed the “Voter Gari”, have begun their nationwide journey to promote participation in the 13th parliamentary elections and the referendum on the July National Charter.
The super caravans were formally inaugurated on Monday at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, marking the start of a countrywide voter education campaign.
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed, and Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam jointly inaugurated the initiative by cutting the ribbon.
Addressing the inauguration through a video message, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus described the current moment as a critical phase for Bangladesh, with both a national election and a referendum ahead. He said the ten Super Caravan vehicles would travel across all 64 districts and 300 upazilas, reaching communities directly to disseminate information about the electoral process and the referendum, raise awareness of voting rights and promote democratic values.
“The right to vote is not dependent on anyone’s mercy; it is our constitutional right,” Yunus said. “Through exercising this right, we determine the direction of our future. Ensuring a free, fair and participatory election is not only the government’s responsibility – it is the responsibility of every citizen.”
He emphasised that the Super Caravan represents more than just a mobile campaign. “This is not merely a vehicle; it is a fleet carrying the joy of democracy,” he said, adding that the initiative aims to remind people of the power of participation and the importance of casting a vote.
Calling on young voters, women and first-time voters in particular, the Chief Adviser urged them to engage actively with the electoral process. “Ask questions, learn, understand and vote. Your decisions will shape the Bangladesh of tomorrow—the new Bangladesh,” he said.
Yunus also reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful voting environment. “We want an election with no fear and no obstacles—only the free and fearless expression of the people. The government is determined to ensure such an environment,” he said.
Referring to the upcoming referendum, he said voters would also be asked to decide on the July National Charter, which was drafted after extensive consultations with political parties over nine months. Expressing confidence in the document, he said the Charter could provide long-term stability if endorsed by the people, urging voters to support it if they believe it serves the country’s interests.
“Let us make this democratic journey a success together,” Yunus said. “Vote for yourselves, for the country, for future generations and for a new world.”
The Super Caravan campaign will continue its nationwide journey in the coming weeks as Bangladesh prepares for a pivotal moment in its democratic process.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus delivers a recorded message at the launching of Voter Gari on the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Monday. – CAO Photo