Friday, 22 November, 2024
Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged citizens to remain patient and prioritize comprehensive state reforms to ensure a free, fair, and credible election process for transferring power to an elected government.
Addressing the nation this evening to mark 100 days of the interim government, Yunus reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to electoral and institutional reforms. He assured the public that a clear roadmap for the elections would be announced once these reforms are finalized.
The address was broadcast on Bangladesh Television and BTV World.
Reform Commitments and Timeline
Highlighting the context of the government’s formation following the mass uprising of July-August that led to the fall of the Awami League administration, Yunus acknowledged widespread curiosity about the election timeline. He expressed hope that reform commissions would deliver their recommendations by December 2024 or January 2025.
“These recommendations will be discussed with political parties to build consensus before finalizing the reform proposals,” he said. “The Election Commission (EC) will be constituted shortly and will take full charge of organizing the elections, including updating the voter list and other critical tasks.”
Rebuilding Bangladesh
The Chief Advisor emphasised that while the government manages daily governance, it is also focused on rebuilding Bangladesh’s political and institutional frameworks. He underscored the significance of addressing autocratic practices that have historically hindered democratic progress.
“Our most important task is to hold free and fair elections and hand over power to an elected government,” Yunus said. “But we are also shaping a future Bangladesh—one built on reforms that offer our youth opportunities to create a better world.”
Engagement with Citizens and Political Parties
Dr Yunus called for active public engagement with the six reform commissions established by the interim government, many of which have launched digital platforms to gather citizen input.
“Your feedback is vital to shaping a robust electoral framework,” he said. “When discussing elections, talk about reforms too. These reforms are the nation’s long-term strength and a safeguard against future political crises.”
He also outlined plans to allow expatriate Bangladeshis to vote via postal ballots for the first time, expanding electoral inclusivity.
Constitutional Reforms and Political Consensus
The Chief Advisor emphasised that the Constitutional Reform Commission’s recommendations, reflecting the views of political parties and citizens, will guide electoral law amendments. He stressed that consensus among political parties is critical to progress.
“Some reforms may take place alongside the election process, which could extend the timeline by a few months. But our aim is to create an electoral system that endures for generations,” Yunus said.
Patience and Hope for a Better Future
Yunus reassured the nation that while the election process is underway, its pace depends on political consensus. He urged citizens to remain steadfast, describing this period as a historic opportunity to build a reformed and resilient Bangladesh.
“Patience is essential,” he concluded. “Once the electoral reforms are finalized, the election roadmap will be unveiled swiftly. Together, we can protect our country from recurring political crises and create a brighter future.”
The address highlighted the government’s dual focus on immediate governance and long-term institutional reforms, underscoring the significance of collective efforts to shape a democratic future for Bangladesh.
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Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged citizens to remain patient and prioritize comprehensive state reforms to ensure a free, fair, and credible election process for transferring power to an elected government.
Addressing the nation this evening to mark 100 days of the interim government, Yunus reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to electoral and institutional reforms. He assured the public that a clear roadmap for the elections would be announced once these reforms are finalized.
The address was broadcast on Bangladesh Television and BTV World.
Reform Commitments and Timeline
Highlighting the context of the government’s formation following the mass uprising of July-August that led to the fall of the Awami League administration, Yunus acknowledged widespread curiosity about the election timeline. He expressed hope that reform commissions would deliver their recommendations by December 2024 or January 2025.
“These recommendations will be discussed with political parties to build consensus before finalizing the reform proposals,” he said. “The Election Commission (EC) will be constituted shortly and will take full charge of organizing the elections, including updating the voter list and other critical tasks.”
Rebuilding Bangladesh
The Chief Advisor emphasised that while the government manages daily governance, it is also focused on rebuilding Bangladesh’s political and institutional frameworks. He underscored the significance of addressing autocratic practices that have historically hindered democratic progress.
“Our most important task is to hold free and fair elections and hand over power to an elected government,” Yunus said. “But we are also shaping a future Bangladesh—one built on reforms that offer our youth opportunities to create a better world.”
Engagement with Citizens and Political Parties
Dr Yunus called for active public engagement with the six reform commissions established by the interim government, many of which have launched digital platforms to gather citizen input.
“Your feedback is vital to shaping a robust electoral framework,” he said. “When discussing elections, talk about reforms too. These reforms are the nation’s long-term strength and a safeguard against future political crises.”
He also outlined plans to allow expatriate Bangladeshis to vote via postal ballots for the first time, expanding electoral inclusivity.
Constitutional Reforms and Political Consensus
The Chief Advisor emphasised that the Constitutional Reform Commission’s recommendations, reflecting the views of political parties and citizens, will guide electoral law amendments. He stressed that consensus among political parties is critical to progress.
“Some reforms may take place alongside the election process, which could extend the timeline by a few months. But our aim is to create an electoral system that endures for generations,” Yunus said.
Patience and Hope for a Better Future
Yunus reassured the nation that while the election process is underway, its pace depends on political consensus. He urged citizens to remain steadfast, describing this period as a historic opportunity to build a reformed and resilient Bangladesh.
“Patience is essential,” he concluded. “Once the electoral reforms are finalized, the election roadmap will be unveiled swiftly. Together, we can protect our country from recurring political crises and create a brighter future.”
The address highlighted the government’s dual focus on immediate governance and long-term institutional reforms, underscoring the significance of collective efforts to shape a democratic future for Bangladesh.
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