Govt Defends Prof Yunus’ Backing of ‘Yes’ Vote

The interim government on Sunday clarified that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ support for a “Yes” vote in the upcoming referendum is consistent with democratic norms and the reformist mandate of the transition.

In a statement, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said Prof Yunus’ position aligns with Bangladesh’s urgent need for institutional renewal, established international democratic practice, and the principles of transparency and accountability to the electorate.

“The ultimate 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 explanation followed recent commentary questioning whether the interim government and the Chief Adviser’s open support for a “Yes” vote in the forthcoming referendum on institutional reforms is appropriate for an interim administration.

The government said such concerns merit respectful consideration but argued they do not withstand close scrutiny when assessed in the context of Bangladesh’s current political transition and international practice.

“In this transitional moment, silence would not represent neutrality; it would represent a failure of leadership,” the statement said.

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

An interim government that refrains from supporting the reforms it has proposed would weaken public confidence, confuse voters, and undermine the coherence of the transition, the statement said.