TVN Desk
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has made a passionate appeal to the nation, urging citizens to exercise patience and prioritize comprehensive reforms as the cornerstone of ensuring free and fair elections. Speaking on Sunday evening to mark 100 days of the caretaker administration, Yunus reflected on the nation’s recent political upheaval, highlighting the challenges faced and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Addressing the mass uprising in July-August that led to the downfall of the Awami League government, Professor Yunus detailed the tumultuous conditions under which his administration assumed power. “The country found itself in a state of crisis, temporarily without a government, with police inactive, and governance in disarray. Together, we are working to rebuild this nation, which has endured the devastating effects of autocratic rule,” Yunus remarked.
Reforms as the Foundation for Democracy
Yunus underscored the administration’s dual focus: maintaining day-to-day governance and implementing reforms critical to reshaping Bangladesh’s political future. “Our foremost responsibility is to conduct a free and fair election, ensuring a smooth transfer of power to an elected government,” he stated.
The interim prime minister announced substantial progress in ongoing electoral and constitutional reforms, facilitated by six specialized commissions established at the start of his tenure. These commissions are expected to deliver their recommendations by December 2024 or January 2025. The Chief Advisor emphasized that political parties are being regularly consulted, with their feedback actively incorporated into the reform process.
“The process of forming an Election Commission is already underway, and its responsibilities will include updating the voter list and managing election-related tasks,” Yunus said. Notably, the government is working to enable expatriate Bangladeshis to vote via postal ballots for the first time in history.
Commitment to Transparent Elections
Acknowledging the critical role of electoral reforms, Yunus outlined the administration’s broader vision for transforming the country’s political system. “Merely establishing an Election Commission is not sufficient. Reforms in electoral laws and practices are integral to our mandate and are essential for a stronger democratic foundation,” he explained.
He encouraged the public to actively participate in shaping the reform agenda through digital platforms launched by the reform commissions. “We value your feedback. When discussing elections, also highlight the importance of reforms in other areas. Reforms are the nation’s long-term strength and will enable our youth to create a brighter future,” he urged.
Progress and Challenges Ahead
While optimistic, Yunus acknowledged the complexities of achieving consensus among political parties on key reforms. He signaled the possibility of delaying the elections by a few months if necessary to complete the reform process. “This historic opportunity must not be wasted. We are committed to creating an electoral system that will guide this nation for generations and protect it from recurring political crises,” he assured.
The Chief Advisor reiterated his administration’s transparency, assuring that regular updates on the reform commissions’ activities would be shared through media channels. He also encouraged citizens to express their views without hesitation, emphasizing that public input is vital for shaping a fair and inclusive electoral framework.
A Call for Patience and Unity
In his concluding remarks, Yunus called on citizens from all walks of life to support the caretaker administration’s efforts. “Reforms are not merely procedural; they are a vision for the nation’s future. With your patience and unity, we can create a robust and enduring democracy,” he said.
The Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed his commitment to completing the reform agenda and organizing elections in alignment with national consensus. “Once the electoral reforms are finalized, the election roadmap will be swiftly communicated,” he concluded, emphasizing the government’s determination to build a foundation of trust, fairness, and stability for Bangladesh’s democracy.
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has made a passionate appeal to the nation, urging citizens to exercise patience and prioritize comprehensive reforms as the cornerstone of ensuring free and fair elections. Speaking on Sunday evening to mark 100 days of the caretaker administration, Yunus reflected on the nation’s recent political upheaval, highlighting the challenges faced and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Addressing the mass uprising in July-August that led to the downfall of the Awami League government, Professor Yunus detailed the tumultuous conditions under which his administration assumed power. “The country found itself in a state of crisis, temporarily without a government, with police inactive, and governance in disarray. Together, we are working to rebuild this nation, which has endured the devastating effects of autocratic rule,” Yunus remarked.
Reforms as the Foundation for Democracy
Yunus underscored the administration’s dual focus: maintaining day-to-day governance and implementing reforms critical to reshaping Bangladesh’s political future. “Our foremost responsibility is to conduct a free and fair election, ensuring a smooth transfer of power to an elected government,” he stated.
The interim prime minister announced substantial progress in ongoing electoral and constitutional reforms, facilitated by six specialized commissions established at the start of his tenure. These commissions are expected to deliver their recommendations by December 2024 or January 2025. The Chief Advisor emphasized that political parties are being regularly consulted, with their feedback actively incorporated into the reform process.
“The process of forming an Election Commission is already underway, and its responsibilities will include updating the voter list and managing election-related tasks,” Yunus said. Notably, the government is working to enable expatriate Bangladeshis to vote via postal ballots for the first time in history.
Commitment to Transparent Elections
Acknowledging the critical role of electoral reforms, Yunus outlined the administration’s broader vision for transforming the country’s political system. “Merely establishing an Election Commission is not sufficient. Reforms in electoral laws and practices are integral to our mandate and are essential for a stronger democratic foundation,” he explained.
He encouraged the public to actively participate in shaping the reform agenda through digital platforms launched by the reform commissions. “We value your feedback. When discussing elections, also highlight the importance of reforms in other areas. Reforms are the nation’s long-term strength and will enable our youth to create a brighter future,” he urged.
Progress and Challenges Ahead
While optimistic, Yunus acknowledged the complexities of achieving consensus among political parties on key reforms. He signaled the possibility of delaying the elections by a few months if necessary to complete the reform process. “This historic opportunity must not be wasted. We are committed to creating an electoral system that will guide this nation for generations and protect it from recurring political crises,” he assured.
The Chief Advisor reiterated his administration’s transparency, assuring that regular updates on the reform commissions’ activities would be shared through media channels. He also encouraged citizens to express their views without hesitation, emphasizing that public input is vital for shaping a fair and inclusive electoral framework.
A Call for Patience and Unity
In his concluding remarks, Yunus called on citizens from all walks of life to support the caretaker administration’s efforts. “Reforms are not merely procedural; they are a vision for the nation’s future. With your patience and unity, we can create a robust and enduring democracy,” he said.
The Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed his commitment to completing the reform agenda and organizing elections in alignment with national consensus. “Once the electoral reforms are finalized, the election roadmap will be swiftly communicated,” he concluded, emphasizing the government’s determination to build a foundation of trust, fairness, and stability for Bangladesh’s democracy.