Staff Reporter :
Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has assured the nation that the roadmap for elections will be announced promptly following the finalisation of electoral reforms.
In a televised address marking the government’s first 100 days in office, Dr Yunus emphasised the importance of reforms in ensuring free and fair elections, while acknowledging the potential for a slight delay to allow for necessary adjustments.
Speaking live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and BTV World,
Dr Yunus stated, “The train of elections has started moving forward, and it will not halt.
However, reaching the final station depends on how quickly we can lay down the tracks, a process that requires the consensus of political parties.”
Dr Yunus highlighted the interim administration’s commitment to transferring power to an elected government through a transparent election process.
He confirmed that regular discussions with political parties are ongoing to incorporate their views into government decisions.
The Chief Adviser revealed that reform commissions are expected to submit their recommendations by December or January, with proposals to be finalised only after thorough consultations with political stakeholders.
The government has already taken steps to prepare for the elections, including the formation of the Election Commission, which will take responsibility for crucial tasks such as updating voter lists and laying the groundwork for a credible election.
Notably, the government is also working on enabling expatriate Bangladeshis to vote via postal ballots, in a bid to increase inclusivity.
“We do not believe that merely forming an Election Commission concludes our responsibility to hold elections,” Dr Yunus remarked, emphasising that governance reforms remain a cornerstone of the interim government’s agenda.
The Chief Adviser urged citizens to engage with reforms alongside the electoral process. “Reforms are the lifeblood of a nation’s long-term vitality,” he stated. “They will provide opportunities for our youth to build a new future.
Let’s not deprive the nation of this chance.” Dr Yunus called on citizens to participate in discussions through digital platforms set up by reform commissions, contributing their ideas to a transparent and participatory governance model.
In addition to electoral reforms, Dr Yunus reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the families of martyrs and providing medical care to those injured during the recent mass uprising.
Each martyr’s family will receive financial assistance of Tk 30 lakh, while the Health Ministry has prepared a comprehensive treatment plan for the injured, including arrangements for cornea transplants from Nepal.
The government has allocated Tk 100 crore to the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation to preserve the memory of the uprising’s martyrs. Furthermore, a proposal for $5 million has been sent to the World Bank to support rehabilitation efforts.
Acknowledging the public’s eagerness for elections, Dr Yunus appealed for patience, stating, “I cannot guarantee how much of the proposed reforms we can implement, but if given the opportunity, we will complete the essential reforms before holding the desired elections. We aim to create an electoral system that will serve as a model for generations.”
Dr Yunus concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and long-term reforms, assuring that the roadmap to elections would be unveiled soon after the reforms are finalised.
