Describing the upcoming national election as a "moment of rebirth" for the nation, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said that the opportunity provided by the July Uprising could be used to reshape the fate of the nation.
"We have got an opportunity like Aladdin's lamp. The student-people uprising has created this opportunity. If we want we can ask for small things. Or we remake the nation entirely.
"This opportunity comes only once, it won't come again," he stressed.
He made the comments while addressing representatives from different political parties during a meeting of the National Consensus Commission (NCC) at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.
There, he urged stakeholders to reach a consensus and ensure a free, fair and festival-like national election in February next year.
"This will not only be Bangladesh's experience, the whole world will see how we solved the problem."
Yunus said the progress achieved by the country's political parties towards consensus through the NCC would stand as a unique example for the entire world.
"When the idea of the NCC first came up, I wasn't sure whether it would survive. But today, after a long journey, I am overwhelmed by your discussions and decisions."
The Chief Adviser stressed that there is no alternative path but to reach a consensus.
"This is the opportunity given by the students and the people, from which a new Bangladesh will be built."
Noting that there is no room for division or disagreement, Yunus said, "We can talk a lot, but we cannot end with disagreement. The election will be successful only when we can reach a consensus".
Putting emphasis on continuing discussions among political parties, Yunus said, "We will never get such a big opportunity again. So, we have to move forward with patience. Our job until election day is to create a festive atmosphere without any conflict."
"We have built the highway, now all that remains is to put up the signboards. The road is clear and the destination is clear too. This election will be a festive election, the beginning of peace and a new journey for the country."
The main goal of "our reforms is to seal every road" so that no fascist can ever return, he said, adding, "For this, everyone should reach consensus".
Reiterating that the national election will be held in the first half of February, he said, "It really will be the rebirth of the nation.
"All sacrifices of the people - so much blood, so much sacrifice - will be worthwhile if we can attain this new birth," he added.
Yunus, also president of the NCC, termed its achievement unprecedented and expressed gratitude for the hard work of the commission members and political leaders.
"You have written a memorable chapter in history. Now it only needs to be completed perfectly. Through this, a new nation will be born," he said.
"This time we have no chance of failure. We will move forward on this path of consensus, make the elections successful, and begin the journey of the gala festival".
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