Interim govt says support for reform consistent with democratic norms
"Ultimately, the decision rests with the people of Bangladesh. That is the democratic guarantee. Leadership does not negate that choice. It helps clarify it"
The Chief Adviser's Press Wing issued a comprehensive statement today (18 January), defending the interim government's and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's open support for a "Yes" vote in the upcoming referendum on institutional reforms.
The statement, released this afternoon, argues that while concerns regarding the neutrality of an interim administration deserve respectful consideration, the criticism does not withstand close scrutiny when assessed against Bangladesh's specific political context and international precedents.
A mandate for reform, not routine
The statement, titled "Why the interim and chief adviser's support for reform is consistent with democratic norms in Bangladesh", clarified that the interim government was not formed merely for routine administration or as a passive caretaker.
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Arising from an acute legitimacy crisis and institutional breakdown, its primary mandate is to stabilise the state and deliver a credible framework of reforms before returning power to an elected government. Chief Adviser Yunus has spent the past eighteen months consulting with political parties, civil society, and youth constituencies, it adds.
The statement asserts that for the chief adviser to refrain from advocating for the resulting reform package would be a misunderstanding of his purpose.
"An interim authority entrusted with reform cannot plausibly be expected to disown that reform at the moment of democratic decision," the statement noted, adding that in this transitional moment, silence would represent a failure of leadership rather than neutrality.
Advocacy vs democracy
The statement emphasised that leadership advocacy is a routine part of international democratic practice. It cited several global precedents where heads of government campaigned for major national transitions:
• United Kingdom (2016): Prime Minister David Cameron vigorously campaigned for a "Remain" vote in the Brexit referendum, using the full weight of his office to argue that continued EU membership was in the national interest.
• Scotland (2014): First Minister Alex Salmond was the public face of the "Yes Scotland" independence campaign, framing the referendum as a democratic choice about the country's future.
• Turkey (2017): President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan led nationwide rallies in support of constitutional changes expanding executive power.
• Kyrgyzstan (2016): President Almazbek Atambayev publicly urged voters to approve constitutional reforms strengthening parliamentary governance.
• France (1962): President Charles de Gaulle openly championed a referendum to fundamentally alter the method of presidential election, bypassing parliamentary resistance in favor of direct popular sovereignty.
The Press Wing argued that in none of these cases was advocacy by a sitting head of government deemed inherently undemocratic. On the contrary, such advocacy was understood as an expression of political accountability: leaders argue for what they believe is right and accept the people's verdict.
No personal political stake
A key distinction made in the statement is that Muhammad Yunus and his advisers have no electoral stake in the outcome. Unlike elected leaders, they are not seeking extended tenure or partisan gain. Their role is time-bound, and the reforms will be inherited by a future elected administration.
Regarding government outreach through district administrations, the press statement maintained that these efforts are focused on explaining the substance of reforms to prevent misinformation.
"Such engagement is common in transitional settings and does not, in itself, constitute ethical overreach. The presence of government voices in the public debate does not preclude disagreement; rather, it ensures that citizens are not asked to vote on reforms they do not understand."
Responsibility
The statement concluded by warning that equivocation poses a greater risk than advocacy. An interim government failing to support its own championed reforms would confuse voters and undermine the transition's coherence.
The statement reiterated that Muhammad Yunus's support for a "yes" vote is consistent with the interim government's reformist mandate, the nation's need for institutional renewal, and established democratic practice.
"Ultimately, the decision rests with the people of Bangladesh. That is the democratic guarantee. Leadership does not negate that choice. It helps clarify it," the statement concluded.
