Dhaka, Feb. 12 -- As voting for the 13th Parliamentary Election and Constitutional Referendum concluded across 299 constituencies in Bangladesh on Thursday, Chief Adviser of the country's interim government Muhammad Yunus congratulated the nation for the peaceful and orderly conclusion of polls and referendum, calling it "the beginning of an unprecedented journey toward a new Bangladesh."

In a statement released after voting ended, Yunus lauded voters for their enthusiastic participation, political parties for their responsible conduct, candidates for showing restraint, and all institutions involved for their professionalism.

He said the collective effort demonstrated Bangladesh's strong commitment to democracy and the people's active r...