United News of Bangladesh

Expressing satisfaction over the peaceful election campaign across the country, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the presence of a large number of international observers coming from different countries reflects the renewed global confidence in Bangladesh’s democracy. He said it also demonstrates the international community’s serious approach towards the twin elections - the national election and referendum scheduled for February 12- in Bangladesh. “We expect that this election will be better than any other elections that the country witnessed in the past,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted Prof Yunus as saying during a get-together event with the senior secretaries and secretaries of the government. Prof Yunus happy over polls preparations, says next ‘week very crucial’ Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid presided over the function. The Chief Adviser said huge numbers of observers are coming from various countries which reflect that they got back the confidence in Bangladesh democracy. Press Secretary Alam, while briefing the reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, said the elections, held during the regime of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, did not have any legitimacy and no prominent election observers came to observe the elections at that time. Prof Yunus observed that so far there has been no significant tension surrounding the election and political parties carrying out campaigns peacefully across the country. "Election campaigns are taking place peacefully across the country. Political parties are playing a responsible role, and large public gatherings at campaign events are being conducted without violence or disorder," he said. The Chief Adviser if the ‘Yes’ vote wins in the referendum, the country will change fundamentally and mis-governance will not return. "If the ‘Yes’ vote wins in the referendum, Bangladesh’s future will be built in a more positive way," he said. Prof Yunus expressed optimism that the upcoming national election would be a free, fair, peaceful and festive one. Speaking about past elections, he said previous polls in Bangladesh could hardly be called elections, describing them instead as ‘mockery’ in the name of elections. Prof Yunus calls for ethical use of technology, rejects fraud for prosperity "In contrast, the forthcoming election will be held in a free, fair and peaceful manner. With only two days remaining, we have almost reached the destination (peaceful, credible election)," the Chief Adviser said. This election, he said, together with the referendum, would bring an unprecedented change to Bangladesh politics and structure. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh will continue to move forward and attract investors from around the world who will come to establish factories in the country and described Bangladesh’s young population as a vast and powerful resource. Referring to the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), he said this will encourage many foreign companies to set up production facilities in the country. The Chief Adviser reiterated that the Japan-Bangladesh EPA is the first of its kind and should be seen as a model, adding that Bangladesh will pursue more free trade and preferential trade agreements. Such agreements, Prof Yunus said, will open many new doors for the economy and for Bangladeshi products. The Chief Adviser highlighted that, for the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis have been formally included in the political process. He said their role in Bangladesh’s political movements and uprisings in the past is now being fully recognized, and going forward they will be able to play a stronger and more meaningful role in national affairs. The Chief Adviser highlighted the extensive use of technology in this election, saying it has made the process easier and more accessible for everyone. He said that a mobile app has been developed to guide voters on how to cast their votes, while election-related apps will be used to monitor security across nearly 43,000 polling centres across the country. The ‘Election Bondhu’ initiative has been introduced, body-worn cameras have been provided to around 25,700 law enforcement personnel, and CCTV cameras are being installed at polling centres, Prof Yunus said, expressing hope that this election would be better than any previous election held in the country. He thanked the secretaries for their performance over the past 18 months, particularly for their cooperation in expediting work related to around 130 ordinances issued during this period. The Chief Adviser said their support and efficiency have been critical to the government’s work. Later, the Chief Adviser posed for photographs with the senior secretaries and secretaries of the government. If employers lose trust, all skills development initiatives would fail: Prof Yunus

Highlighting the significant demand for Bangladeshi workers abroad, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said all forms of fraud, related to skills training certificates, must be stopped to unlock the country’s untapped employment potential overseas. “All these frauds must be stopped. The reputation of the country’s workforce is being undermined due to fraud and forgery related to skills training certificates,” he said, stressing that if employers lose trust, all skill development initiatives would fail. The Chief Adviser made the remarks while presiding over a meeting of the Governing Body of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) at his office. Prof Yunus instructed the concerned authorities to take effective measures to prevent the forgery of skill development training certificates and the use of fake credentials in order to safeguard Bangladesh’s reputation in the international labour market. Stressing the importance of building the country’s brand image, he said, “Employers should say that workers who come from Bangladesh will definitely do well.” Established in 2018, this was the second meeting of the NSDA Governing Body. The first meeting was held in 2022. Prof Yunus said the NSDA has provided a strong framework for developing skilled human resources in line with the needs of both national and international labour markets. With the growing demand for Bangladeshi workers abroad, he added, the role of the authority will become even more important. Expressing optimism, the Chief Adviser said the NSDA’s initiative to introduce a unified standard certification system across all training institutions would play a crucial role in preventing such fraud. “Our young generation is highly creative and full of potential. Our responsibility is to open doors of opportunity for them,” he said. Prof Yunus happy over polls preparations, says next ‘week very crucial’ Prof Yunus also emphasised the need for necessary initiatives and coordination to enable private entrepreneurs to operate in a more transparent and effective manner. The meeting reviewed the implementation progress of decisions taken at the previous Governing Body meeting and decided to establish an integrated skills ecosystem. Under this ecosystem, uniform curricula and standards will be ensured for training programmes conducted by different ministries. Once fully implemented, the system is expected to enhance the quality and credibility of certificates in the international market, reduce the wastage of public funds, and facilitate centralised and effective planning and implementation for assessing industrial labour demand and workforce development. The Governing Body approved the long-term goals of the NSDA to address global challenges following Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Key components of these long-term plans include conducting skills gap analyses in emerging sectors, bringing all development projects under NSDA curricula and competency standards, aligning the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF) with international benchmarks, and bringing the large informal-sector workforce under national skills certification through recognition of prior learning. Among other issues, the meeting discussed the provision of Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC) to students trained at the Institutes of Marine Technology (IMTs) under the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Dhaka, Beijing cooperation must continue with new govt: Prof Yunus Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary M Siraz Uddin Miah, NSDA Executive Chairman Dr Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury, secretaries of different ministries, and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said the cooperation between Bangladesh and China must continue, although a new government will soon take office.  “In a few weeks, I will be out of this office and a new government will be formed, but the work between our two countries must go on,” he said during a meeting with a delegation from the China-Bangladesh Partnership Forum at the State Guest House Jamuna recently. The delegation included senior Chinese academics, investors and industry leaders from the biomedical, infrastructure, digital, and legal sectors, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Friday. Xin-yuan Fu, a leading Chinese biomedical scientist and Director of the West China School of Medicine at Sichuan University, commended Prof Yunus’ vision and said he was very much looking forward to working with Bangladeshi academics and contributing to improving people’s lives. Bangladesh elected Vice Chair of UN Peacebuilding Commission for 2026 Andrew Zilong Wong, Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors of Walvax Biotechnology, and Yuqing Yao, Managing Director of Walvax Biotech (Singapore), shared their experiences and interest in working with Bangladesh. Walvax has exported its vaccines to at least 22 countries. The company has established local subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Indonesia and is exploring the localisation of PCV and HPV vaccines.  In Indonesia, it has signed an agreement with a business partner, indicating a move toward building local capacity. The delegation also included Jinsong Wang, Vice President of the Robotics Society of Singapore; Yuan Feng, Chair of the Management Committee of Fordall Law Firm; Li Ran, Managing Director of Beijing Wutong Asset Management; Gao Zhipeng, Vice President for International Investment and Projects at China State Construction Engineering Corporation; Xu Tianzhao, Investment Director of China Hunan Construction Investment Group; Hua Jie, Vice President of China CCC Engineering Group; Chen Shujian, General Manager for Overseas Markets at PowerChina Overseas Investment Group; Professor Ma Xiaoyuan of Yunnan University; and Alex Wang Zekai, Secretary-General of the China-Bangladesh Partnership Forum. They informed the Chief Adviser that they had engaged with several university students in Bangladesh on artificial intelligence and digitalisation and expressed admiration for the talent and potential of young Bangladeshi minds. During the meeting, Prof Yunus recalled his long-standing relationship with China, which began through the microcredit movement. “I had the opportunity to visit remote villages in China and see how people’s lives were being transformed. Later, the Chinese government launched its own programmes inspired by these principles,” the Chief Adviser said. Recalling his visit to China in March, Prof Yunus said he had met President Xi Jinping during the visit. “He told me that he had read my book and followed its principles. That was a very happy moment for me,” he said. The delegation thanked Prof Yunus and discussed opportunities for collaboration in the health, infrastructure and digital sectors. Highlighting the interim government’s priorities, the Chief Adviser said health remains the top concern. “Our highest priority is healthcare—how to integrate digital technology so that doctors and patients can connect effectively, medical histories can be preserved digitally, and appointments can be accessed easily,” he said. Dr Yunus also emphasised the need for social business models in the pharmaceutical sector. “Medicines cost pennies to produce, yet are sold for dollars. We want to encourage the establishment of social business pharmaceutical companies that focus on helping people, not just profits,” he said. About the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof Yunus recalled Bangladesh’s advocacy for patent-free vaccines. “We raised our voices for patent-free vaccines and faced resistance. When the vote came, 10 countries abstained. They said rich countries would buy vaccines and donate them to poor nations. We said we don’t need gifts. People were dying while others were making money. This is a shame,” he said. Rohingya crisis not receiving due attention, repatriation only solution: Prof Yunus Prof Yunus also shared his vision of establishing a “health city” in the northern region of Bangladesh. “During my visit to China, I proposed building a 1,000-bed international hospital in northern Bangladesh. It is a poor region but strategically located near India, Nepal, and Bhutan,” he said. Dr Yunus explained that the proposed health city would include hospitals, medical colleges, research centres, vaccine production facilities, pharmaceutical industries, and medical equipment hubs. “All health-related activities would be located in one city. People from India, Nepal, and Bhutan could also benefit by accessing quality healthcare facilities there,” he added. Prof Yunus expressed his gratitude to the government of China for its continued support and cooperation. Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary to the government, was also present at the meeting. 

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said Bangladesh must use technology ethically to avoid misuse and succeed in a fast-changing digital world. “This country can never be a land of fraud. We want to hold our heads high through our own qualities. We have that capability,” he said, pointing finger at the challenges Bangladesh faces on the global stage due to the widespread use of fake documents. Citing an example of an individual who used all forged certificates to enter a foreign country as a doctor, Prof Yunus said the nation must move away from such practices to fully benefit from advanced technology. “Let us make up our minds that we will come out of fraud, take steps to ensure realistic policies, and build a pro-people system of governance,” the Chief Adviser said, expressing displeasure over the misuse of technology in producing fake documents. Prof Yunus inaugurates country’s largest Digital Device and Innovation Expo Prof Yunus pointed out that Bangladeshis are highly talented and creative, stressing that this talent and creativity must not be used for harmful or unethical purposes. He was speaking at the Inaugural session of the Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026, the country’s largest technology showcase, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC), stressing that tomorrow's world will be truly a different world. "It is absolutely a very important event. There is no doubt. This is a key sector," he said, seeking much importance that is required for this sector. The expo features innovation, digital devices, mobile technology, e-sports and B2B zones, alongside product discounts and special offers. The ICT Division, the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) and the Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) are jointly hosting the country’s largest technology exhibition, which will continue until January 31. The inaugural session began with the playing of the national anthem, followed by a theme song of the expo. An audio-visual presentation was also screened. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury and BCS President Mohammad Zahirul Islam and BHTPA Managing Director Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan also spoke at the opening session. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb shared Bangladesh's ambitious target to increase its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exports from approximately $1 billion to $5 billion by 2030. He assured the investors of protecting their investments.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday inaugurated the Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026, the country’s largest technology showcase, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC), stressing that the tomorrow's world will be truly a different world. "It is absolutely a very important event. There is no doubt. This is a key sector," he said, seeking much importance that is required for this sector. The expo features innovation, digital devices, mobile technology, e-sports and B2B zones, alongside product discounts and special offers. The ICT Division, the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) and the Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) are jointly hosting the country’s largest technology exhibition, which will continue until January 31. The inaugural session began with the playing of the national anthem, followed by a theme song of the expo. An audio-visual presentation was also screened. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury and BCS President Mohammad Zahirul Islam and BHTPA Managing Director Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan also spoke at the opening session. Prof Yunus calls on armed forces to uphold public trust in elections Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb shared Bangladesh's ambitious target to increase its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exports from approximately $1 billion to $5 billion by 2030. He assured the investors of protecting their investments. Speakers at the opening ceremony highlighted the importance of building a digitally skilled nation through proper investment in developing human resources. They also discussed Bangladesh’s growing potential in exporting digital services. They expressed optimism that the country would soon be able to present new technologies to the world, rather than relying solely on technologies developed elsewhere. Bangladesh has set an ambitious target to increase its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exports from approximately $1 billion–$1.4 billion currently to $5 billion by 2030. While previous targets The expo aims to attract technological innovation, showcase capabilities and successes, and encourage investment in the technology sector. Five seminars and four panel discussions are scheduled, focusing on digital transformation, global investment, the startup ecosystem, the national equipment identity register, financing and digital devices for students to build an intelligent society, bridging gaps in the innovation ecosystem, the deep-tech value chain, manufacturing and export vision, and inclusive digital transformation. Prof Yunus says fair polls possible, calls for readiness for all scenarios Entry to the expo is open to all through online or on-site registration. The venue will be fully Wi-Fi enabled using satellite internet technology. The expo serves as a major platform for showcasing state-of-the-art technologies and innovative ideas from various industries and universities.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday urged the top leadership of the Armed Forces to maintain the highest level of caution during the election period, warning that any lapse in lawful, restrained and responsible conduct at the field level could erode public confidence in the process. “The referendum and the national election scheduled for February 12 represent an extremely critical juncture for Bangladesh’s democratic future,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with senior Armed Forces officers at Army Headquarters. At this sensitive time, the role of the Bangladesh Armed Forces is crucial in ensuring a free, fair, impartial and festive electoral environment, he added. Prof Yunus urged maximum vigilance to ensure a free, fair and credible election, describing the upcoming referendum and national polls as a decisive moment in the country’s democratic transition. Govt moves to merge BIDA, BEZA, BEPZA, MIDA Expressing confidence in the Armed Forces, he said the government remains hopeful that, as a symbol of public trust, they will once again discharge their duties with professionalism, neutrality and a strong sense of responsibility, as demonstrated in the past. The Chief Adviser paid deep respect to the martyrs of the Great Liberation War and those who lost their lives during the July–August student-people uprising. He also expressed gratitude for the Armed Forces’ role in maintaining peace and stability across the country. He said the role played by the Armed Forces in controlling the law-and-order situation during the post-fascist period would remain a memorable chapter in the nation’s history. Prof Yunus said a nation long deprived of voting rights expressed its aspiration to take responsibility for its own future through the July 2024 uprising, adding that participation in the forthcoming elections would be the ultimate expression of that aspiration. “The referendum will allow people to express their views on shaping the future state system, while the national election will enable them to elect suitable representatives to implement those views,” he said, adding that the significance of the upcoming polls far exceeds that of previous elections. The Chief Adviser said a large number of young voters would cast their ballots for the first time, while many older citizens would return to the polls after being deprived of voting rights for a prolonged period. “In this context, it is our collective responsibility to ensure a fear-free and festive voting environment for all voters. The Armed Forces would be a crucial partner in fulfilling this responsibility,” he said. The Chief Adviser said that free, fair and acceptable elections form the foundation of a democratic state, stressing the need to provide maximum support to the administration and the Election Commission so that every citizen can exercise their franchise without fear or undue influence. Making a call for collective efforts, he urged all concerned to move forward on the path towards a peaceful, stable and democratic Bangladesh. Referring to the Armed Forces, Prof Yunus said their capabilities had been neglected during a prolonged period of fascist rule, adding that the interim government has taken initiatives to modernise and strengthen the Forces since assuming office. Spain’s deadly train crash saddens Prof Yunus He said initiatives are underway to establish factories for manufacturing military arms and equipment under Armed Forces management to enhance self-reliance and capacity. Prof Yunus also said defence cooperation memoranda have already been signed with the Netherlands and Malaysia, while processes are underway to sign similar agreements with several other countries, including Italy, Japan and Thailand. Senior officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with invited guests, were present at the meeting.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said a fair and credible election is possible under the prevailing situation and with the preparations currently in place, stressing the need for remaining ready for everything. He said all those who are contesting the election are maintaining a positive attitude and maintaining mutual harmony. "I hope that no one of them will deviate from this approach," Prof Yunus said during a high-level meeting held on the overall law-and-order situation in view of the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter. Feb-12 polls must be fair, with no room for bias: Prof Yunus The meeting, chaired by Prof Yunus, was held at the Chief Adviser’s office. After the meeting, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy.  Advisers Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz, and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman were, among others, present at the meeting. The Chief Adviser said the government would fully support the Election Commission (EC) so that Bangladesh can proudly say it has conducted a fair election. “This is a major challenge for the nation. We must take it on, complete this enormous task, and turn it into a historic achievement,” he said. Prof Yunus emphasised the need to ensure that nothing is lacking on election day and that there are no glitches anywhere on February 12. He said the 2026 election should set a benchmark for future elections in the country. “The EC’s instructions are now the most important directives. Everyone must work together in strict accordance with them,” Prof Yunus said. He said the Ministry of Home Affairs will play the lead role in maintaining law and order. Body cameras and CCTV cameras will be used, and all activities will be monitored from a central control room, he said. Prof Yunus backs ‘Yes’ vote, calls it key to ‘New Bangladesh’ Prof Yunus stressed the importance of seamless coordination among all forces involved in carrying out election duties. He said a large number of journalists from home and abroad will cover the election, while domestic and international observers have shown strong interest. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told the meeting that 51 out of 59 registered political parties are participating in this year’s election. He said representatives from 26 countries have been invited to observe the polls. The European Union is expected to send an observer team of around 300 members. Already, 56 EU representatives are in Bangladesh, and two have observed the appeal process related to nomination papers. Candidates will be allowed to campaign from midnight tonight until 7:30am on February 10. Akhtar Ahmed said misinformation in cyberspace poses a major challenge in this election. He added that additional time will be required to count party symbol ballots, referendum ballots, and postal ballots. He urged the media to play a responsible role to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumors.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has expressed deepest condolences and sympathies following the devastating accident of high-speed trains in Adamuz, near the city of Córdoba, Southern Spain Sunday evening, stating that the grave tragedy has saddened them immensely. “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I extend, on behalf of the people and government of Bangladesh, and on my own behalf, our deepest condolences and sympathies to Your Excellency and, thorough you, to the victims and their families,” he said in a message to President of Spain Pedro Sanchez.   The deadly train wreck in southern Spain has cast a pall of gloom over one of the nation’s symbols of success. The collision on Sunday killed at least 41 people and injured dozens more as of Tuesday. Prof Yunus said the news of this tragic accident, resulting in the tragic loss of precious lives and leaving many injured, has saddened them immensely. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this terrible train crush and the people of Spain during this period of grief. May the Almighty bestow His mercy on the departed souls of the deceased and grant their family members the courage and fortitude to bear their irreparable losses,” he said. Prof Yunus said they also pray for the quick and complete recovery of all those injured in this grave tragedy.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday encouraged voters to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum, stressing that the key to building a new Bangladesh is now in the hands of the people. “I urge all of you to participate in the upcoming referendum. Seal ‘Yes’ to build the state according to your expectations. If you seal ‘Yes,’ the door to building a new Bangladesh will open. Put your seal on ‘Yes,’ encourage everyone you know to do the same, and bring them to the polling stations. Change the country,” he said, expressing the hope that all would take part in building the nation together. In a televised message in the evening, Prof Yunus said the ‘July Uprising’ is an extraordinary achievement in the nation’s history. It has created an opportunity to establish democracy, justice and human rights in the life of the nation, he said. “To this end, several reforms have already been undertaken. For more profound and far-reaching reforms, we have formulated the July Charter based on the consensus of all political parties in the country,” Prof Yunus said. “Your consent is required to implement this July Charter. A referendum is being organized for this purpose. Participate in the referendum and give your consent to the Charter,” he added. The Chief Adviser said the referendum will be held on the same day as the national election, on February 12. “If you vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum, Bangladesh will be free from discrimination, exploitation, and oppression.” Prof Yunus said a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum means the government and the opposition will work together to form a caretaker government and an Election Commission. A ‘Yes’ vote also means, he added, that the government will not be able to amend the constitution at will; for any important changes, the consent of the people will be required. “It also provides that the Deputy Speaker and the chairpersons of key parliamentary committees will be elected from the opposition party,” Prof Yunus said. He said a person will not be able to serve as prime minister for more than a maximum of 10 years, and the judiciary will function independently. “The representation of women in parliament will increase. An upper house will be formed in parliament to maintain a balance of power.” Prof Yunus said a ‘Yes’ vote means people’s fundamental rights will be better protected; the state language, Bengali, will be constitutionally recognized, along with the languages of other ethnic groups. “The president will not be able to pardon convicted criminals at will. All power will not be concentrated in the hands of the prime minister. There are several other important proposals included as well,” he explained, outlining why people should vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum.

The interim government on Sunday explained why Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ support for ‘Yes’ vote in referendum is consistent with democratic norms in Bangladesh. "Professor Muhammad Yunus’ support for a ‘Yes’ vote is consistent with the reformist mandate of the interim government, Bangladesh’s urgent need for institutional renewal, established international democratic practice; and transparency and accountability to the electorate," said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Ultimately, the interim government said, the decision rests with the people of Bangladesh. "That is the democratic guarantee. Leadership does not negate that choice. It helps clarify it," said the press wing in a long explanation. Campaigning for ‘Yes’ in referendum is a state obligation: Adviser Nurjahan Recent commentary has raised concerns that the interim government and the Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ open support for a ‘Yes’ vote in Bangladesh’s forthcoming referendum on institutional reforms may be inconsistent with the expectations of an interim administration. These concerns deserve respectful consideration, said the interim government. It, however, said the mandate of the interim government and comparative international practice, such criticism does not withstand close scrutiny when assessed in light of Bangladesh’s specific political context. In Bangladesh’s current transitional moment, silence would not represent neutrality, it would represent a failure of leadership, said the interim government. For Bangladesh at this juncture, the government said, the greater risk lies not in advocacy, but in equivocation. An interim government that declines to support the reforms it has championed would weaken public confidence, confuse voters, and undermine the coherence of the transition, it said.