Amid Bangladesh’s turbulent path to elections, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and his interim government have launched a bold public outreach effort endorsing a ‘Yes’ vote in the forthcoming referendum. This move, announced via social media, aims to educate citizens on vital institutional changes amid ongoing political volatility.

Yunus took to X to counter skepticism about the government’s involvement. He explained that in Bangladesh’s current scenario, advocating for reforms is not bias but a fulfillment of the interim setup’s core duties. Formed in the wake of massive student-led protests, the Yunus administration must do more than manage daily affairs—it has a mandate to overhaul systems, ensure stability, and pave the way for fair elections.

‘Our role isn’t that of a passive caretaker,’ Yunus asserted. He drew parallels with global practices where interim or transitional leaders publicly support measures for national betterment. Critics argue this endorsement could skew the process, but Yunus maintained that transparency and reasoned advocacy empower voters, making the outcome more legitimate.

The referendum focuses on reforms to strengthen democratic norms, a direct response to the failures of the ousted Sheikh Hasina government. With violence still fresh in memory, this awareness drive seeks to foster informed participation. As Bangladesh approaches its polls, Yunus’s strategy underscores a vision of engaged leadership committed to lasting change, urging citizens to back a future rooted in accountability and justice.