Armed forces maintain neutral messaging as Yunus administration campaigns for ‘yes’ vote in referendum

Staff Correspondent

Ahead of the national elections and referendum, the interim government of Bangladesh and the administration led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus are conducting a massive campaign through various government institutions in favor of voting ‘yes’ in the referendum. Various government agencies, including local administrations, educational institutions, banks, are actively participating in this campaign. But in this campaign, the armed forces—especially the Bangladesh Army and the Bangladesh Navy—have taken a completely different and neutral stance, which has garnered widespread praise on social media.

The army recently released a TVC (television commercial) with the slogan “Your country is waiting for you.” The teaser shows ordinary people suffering from insecurity becoming interested in voting after seeing the presence of the army. It does not support any particular party; rather, the emphasis is on voter safety and participation.

Similarly, the Bangladesh Navy posted on their social media pages:

“Your vote is your right, make democracy strong. Bangladesh Navy is always ready to ensure peaceful and safe voting—by your side, with your trust.”

Both messages are clearly neutral—not advocating a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote, but simply calling for a safe and participatory vote. Netizens on social media welcomed this neutral stance. Many commented that,

“If the government goes door to door and tells everyone what symbol they should vote for, then it becomes clear that there is some ulterior motive in this partisanship.”

The main responsibility of an interim government is to maintain impartiality, ensure equal opportunities for all parties and make the elections/referendum free and fair. But the Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus himself, has called for a ‘yes’ vote on social media and government institutions are being used for this campaign. This is an abuse of state power and a clear violation of impartiality.

When the government itself engages in one-sided propaganda, the question arises in the mind of the common voter – will this referendum truly reflect public opinion, or is it being led towards a one-sided result by state influence? According to international democratic standards, such biased behavior by the interim government is unacceptable.

This neutral and responsible role of the armed forces is a ray of hope for the country’s democratic process. It proves that the important pillars of the state are still committed to constitutional responsibility and impartiality. It is hoped that the interim administration will learn from this criticism, correct its position, and ensure a truly impartial electoral environment.

Call to voters – Your vote is your right. Do not succumb to pressure or propaganda, but decide according to your conscience. May democracy be strengthened through free will, not through state pressure.