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Published : 06 May 2025, 10:07 PM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has stressed the need for reforming the electoral system and related institutions to restore voting rights for all citizens.
Speaking at a meeting with young political activists from Norway at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Tuesday, Yunus called on youth to take an active part in politics to drive positive change in society.
The Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) shared details of the meeting in a media statement.
“We are encouraging young people to take part in politics, otherwise, they will not be able to participate in the decision-making process,” Yunus said.
During the meeting, the head of the interim government asked the visiting delegates about their political backgrounds and perspectives as well as showed interest in the level of youth participation in Norway’s mainstream politics.
The delegation shared their experience of meeting young people in Bangladesh, noting that many of them said they had never had the opportunity to vote.
They then asked Yunus how the interim government was working to ensure these young people could exercise their voting rights.
In reply, Yunus said: “The new government’s main commitment is institutional reform. Over the past 15 years, people have not been able to vote properly.
“A fake electoral system was in place for three consecutive terms. It was portrayed as a major success, but in reality, no one could vote.”
“So, to return voting rights, reforming the election system and related institutions is absolutely essential,” he added.
Calling the country’s politics “outdated,” Yunus said: “We have inherited a chaotic state of affairs. Our biggest challenge now is to dismantle it and build a new foundation.
“Piece by piece, we must lift the ruins and construct a new structure. This is our responsibility now.
“This is a time of transformation. I hope this period of transition will not be prolonged,” he concluded.
