Govt clarifies Prof Yunus’ support for ‘Yes’ vote

The interim government on Sunday explained why Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ support for “Yes” vote in referendum is consistent with democratic norms in Bangladesh.

“Professor Muhammad Yunus’ support for a ‘Yes’ vote is consistent with the reformist mandate of the interim government, Bangladesh’s urgent need for institutional renewal, established international democratic practice; and transparency and accountability to the electorate,” said the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the people of Bangladesh, the Press Wing said.

“That is the democratic guarantee. Leadership does not negate that choice. It helps clarify it,” the press wing added in an explanation.

Recent commentary has raised concerns that the interim government and the Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ open support for a “Yes” vote in Bangladesh’s forthcoming referendum on institutional reforms may be inconsistent with the expectations of an interim administration.

These concerns deserve respectful consideration, said the interim government.

It, however, said the mandate of the interim government and comparative international practice, such criticism does not withstand close scrutiny when assessed in light of Bangladesh’s specific political context.

In Bangladesh’s current transitional moment, silence would not represent neutrality, it would represent a failure of leadership, the government said.

For Bangladesh at this juncture, the greater risk lies not in advocacy, but in equivocation, the government added.

An interim government that declines to support the reforms it has championed would weaken public confidence, confuse voters, and undermine the coherence of the transition, it said.