Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus says election process and state-level reforms will run simultaneously to ensure free and fair elections for transfer of power.
In his address to the nation on Sunday evening to mark 100 days of the interim administration, the head of post-uprising government said Election Commission formation will take place in few days to kick-start election train and urged all to hold patience in greater national interest of a smooth transition.
Prof Yunus highlighted the challenging circumstances under which the interim government assumed office following the July-August mass uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government.
A bdnews24 report adds: The country found itself temporarily without a government, and with police inactive, a state of crisis ensued.
"We are all working together to rebuild this country," Yunus said, "which has been devastated under autocratic rule. While managing daily governance, we are also shaping the future of Bangladesh."
He added the most important task of his administration is to conduct a free and fair election and transfer power to an elected government.
Yunus continued: "We have maintained regular communication with political parties and have been incorporating their feedback into government decisions. Their suggestions are being actively considered in the ongoing reform process."He expressed hope that the reform commissions would present their recommendations by December or January 2025.
"We will continue discussions with political parties regarding these recommendations and will finalise the reform proposals based on consensus," said the chief advisor.
Yunus also reassured the nation that the process to form an Election Commission would be completed soon, with all responsibilities for organising the election being handed over to the commission.
"The Election Commission will begin updating the voter list and carry out other tasks directly related to ensuring a free election," he added.
Yunus said the government is taking steps to allow expatriate Bangladeshis to cast their votes via postal ballots for the first time.
He emphasised that electoral reforms are part of a broader commitment to transforming the country's political system.
"We do not believe that simply establishing an Election Commission will fulfil our responsibility in organising elections. Electoral reforms are a core commitment of this government, and it is a mandate you have entrusted to us."
He added, "The six reform commissions we set up at the outset have already made substantial progress. You can see updates on their activities through media outlets. Some of these commissions have also launched digital platforms."
The chief advisor urged the public to continue engaging with the reform commissions on these platforms, as their feedback is crucial in shaping the future electoral framework.
"Please continue to express all your views on the election without hesitation," Yunus said. "My request is that you also talk about reforms alongside the elections. Do not bypass the topic of reforms. When discussing elections, also mention the reforms in other areas. Reforms are the long-term strength of the nation. They will provide our youth with the opportunity to build a new world. Do not deprive the nation of this."
Yunus emphasised that the Constitutional Reform Commission, whose recommendations must reflect the views of political parties and the people of the country, will play a key role in organising the election.
He added that electoral laws will be amended based on the parts of the recommendations that are widely accepted. At the same time, the process of updating the voter list will continue.
Yunus expressed uncertainty about the opportunity to implement reform proposals but assured the public that, if given the chance, the government would complete reforms and organise the elections.
He urged patience from the public until then, adding: "We aim to create an electoral system that will be followed for generations, protecting the country from recurring political crises."