Dhaka, Jan. 19 -- Bangladesh's Interim Government Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has called on citizens to vote "Yes" in the national referendum scheduled for 12 February, describing the ballot as a historic opportunity to reshape the state and lock in democratic reforms born out of last year's mass uprising.

In a nationally televised video address broadcast on Monday, Yunus urged voters not only to support the referendum themselves but also to mobilise others to participate. "The key to building a new Bangladesh is now in your hands," he said.

"If you stamp 'Yes', the door to a new Bangladesh will open. Cast your vote for 'Yes' yourself. Encourage everyone you know to do the same and bring them to the polling centres. Change ...