C T Online Desk: Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has urged the public to be patient about elections, saying once decisions on electoral reforms are finalized, “you will soon receive a detailed roadmap for the polls.”
In his address to the nation on Sunday to mark 100 days of governance, Yunus said he was not sure how much opportunity his administration would get to implement the proposed reforms.
However, he assured everyone that if given the chance, “we will carry out the necessary essential reforms and then organize the elections you desire.”
“Until then, I request your patience. We aim to establish an electoral system that can be a model for generations to come. This will safeguard our nation from the recurring annual political crises. For this, I am asking for the necessary time from you.”
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Yunus, assumed power on August 8 following the fall of the government of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid a student-led mass uprising.
Yunus said the interim government had been formed to bring politics under a framework of principles and out of a deep aspiration to create a new environment for political practice.
“Do not deprive the nation of fulfilling this aspiration,” said the chief adviser.
He added: “The election train has already started running. It will not stop. However, there are numerous tasks to complete along the way. When this train will reach its final station depends on how quickly we can lay down the necessary tracks, and that will be achieved through consensus among the political parties.”
However, the chief adviser said building consensus on implementing crucial reforms beyond elections might require extra time.
“We will continuously engage with the public and especially the political parties to determine which reforms they wish to see implemented before the elections. Some reforms may occur concurrently with the election preparations. For necessary reforms, the elections may also be delayed by a few months.
“Alongside the routine functions of governance, we are also considering the future of Bangladesh. As you all know, our most important task is to ensure a free and fair election and to transfer power to an elected government. We have maintained regular communication with the political parties, seeking their opinions on various issues. These views are significantly reflected in the government’s decision-making process,” he continued.
Noting that the reform proposals would be finalized based on consensus, Yunus said he hoped that the reform commissions would be able to submit their recommendations to the government within the designated timeframe, between December and January.
“We will continue discussions with political parties based on these recommendations. The reform proposals will be finalized with everyone’s consensus.”
