Dhaka, Dec. 12 -- Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday praised the Election Commission for announcing the schedule for the 13th national election and the nationwide referendum, calling it a defining step in Bangladesh's transition from the turmoil of last year's mass uprising toward a renewed democratic order.

In a statement issued shortly after the announcement, Yunus said the country's "democratic journey has crossed an important milestone," noting that the decision to hold the parliamentary election and the referendum on the July People's Charter on 12 February marks a consolidation of the new political path forged since the fall of the previous government.

"The election and referendum will strengthen the new path the country ha...