Chief Adviser’s office has clarified that Muhammad Yunus’s open support for a “Yes” vote in Bangladesh’s forthcoming referendum on institutional reforms is fully consistent with democratic norms.
The statement comes amid recent commentary questioning whether the Interim Government and the Chief Adviser should publicly back the reforms.
The press wing’s statement emphasised that silence at this transitional moment would not reflect neutrality but a failure of leadership.
Bangladesh’s interim government was formed to stabilise the state, restore democratic credibility, and implement a credible framework of reforms before transferring authority to an elected government.
Chief Adviser Yunus has led extensive consultations over the past 18 months with political parties, civil society, professional groups, and youth constituencies to produce the reform package now before voters.
“An interim authority entrusted with reform cannot plausibly disown that reform at the moment of democratic decision,” the statement noted.
The statement highlighted that international democratic practice allows leaders, interim or otherwise, to advocate for policies and reforms they believe serve the national interest, while leaving the final decision to voters.
Referendums in Bangladesh, like elsewhere, are intended to facilitate direct popular judgment. The presence of government voices in the debate ensures voters understand the reforms and are not asked to vote without information.
Challenging the criticism, the statement explained that Yunus’s advocacy is not partisan. The interim government has no electoral stake, and the advisers are not seeking personal advantage or extended tenure. Once adopted or rejected, the reforms will be inherited by an elected government, minimising the risk of undue influence.
The statement also cited international precedent, noting that leaders around the world, including UK Prime Minister David Cameron in the 2016 Brexit referendum, Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond in the 2014 independence referendum, and France’s Charles de Gaulle in 1962, openly campaigned for referendums without violating democratic norms.
Advocacy, the Chief Adviser’s office argued, is a demonstration of political accountability, not a breach of ethics.
The Chief Adviser’s office stressed that the government’s outreach across districts is intended to inform citizens about the reforms, counter misinformation, and ensure transparency. Such engagement is common in transitional contexts and does not constitute coercion.
In conclusion, the statement affirmed that Yunus’s support for a “Yes” vote reflects the interim government’s reformist mandate, the urgent need for institutional renewal in Bangladesh, and adherence to established democratic practice.
The final decision remains with the electorate, the statement said, noting that leadership clarifies rather than diminishes democratic choice.
