This Government is Appointed, Not Elected

Opinion

It remains unproven whether there is public support for Yunus’ reform agenda. The government changed through the movement on August 5, but that does not mean those who have assumed power now have the right to do as they please.

Yunus has become the Chief Adviser, and many others have also been appointed advisers, but none of them are elected—they are appointed. It is also unclear who appointed them. Instead of Yunus, Yusuf could have been chosen; in Asif’s place, Gafur; or in Rezwana’s place, Kulsum. Many others could have taken these roles.

Neither Yunus nor any member of this council has the mandate of the people. They are individuals who have parachuted into these positions. Therefore, the so-called reforms they wish to implement are not endorsed by the public.

This government is termed an interim government, meaning they are to remain in power only until the next elected government assumes office. While they may claim that holding elections is not their priority, it should indeed be their top priority. Their authority is limited to the interim period and nothing more.

If they intend to carry out reforms, they must first obtain a public mandate. To establish whether Yunus’ government has the authority to implement reforms, they must hold a referendum. Otherwise, these so-called reforms may eventually crumble like a house of cards. For this to happen, the return of the Awami League to power wouldn’t be necessary; even if the BNP assumes power, all such reforms could be annulled.

– Kabir Yahmed
Journalist and Political Analyst