Bangladesh’s interim government warns of full public disclosure if duties are obstructed

As tensions continue to roil the political landscape, Bangladesh’s interim government has warned that if its ability to govern is obstructed, whether by internal actors or foreign interference, it will go public with all underlying causes and reassess its mandate in consultation with the public.

In a rare and strongly worded statement on Saturday, the Advisory Council, which oversees the functioning of the transitional administration, said the government continues to fulfil its duties “despite numerous obstacles and narrow interests”.

But it cautioned that any attempt to paralyse its work through “incitement by defeated forces or foreign conspiracies” would prompt full disclosure and decisive next steps.

The statement, released by the Chief Advisor’s Office following an unscheduled cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, underscored the growing strain on the government’s ability to carry out its primary responsibilities: ensuring fair elections, overseeing institutional reforms, and advancing justice.

It comes amid political unease fuelled by several factors: the army chief’s firm stance on holding parliamentary elections by December, differences between him and the interim government on different issues, and the chief advisor’s “contemplation of resignation”.

“The Advisory Council believes national unity is essential to safeguard stability, accelerate electoral preparations, deliver justice, and prevent any relapse into authoritarian rule,” the statement read.

The statement stressed that the transitional government’s legitimacy stems from the mass uprising of July, not from partisan interests.

“If any action threatens the government's independence, reform agenda, legal processes, or electoral integrity to the point where its duties become impossible to carry out, the administration will take necessary decisions in concert with the people,” it added.

The government also pointed to increasing political pressure, including what it described as “unreasonable demands and politically charged rhetoric”, which have disrupted normal government operations and sown “confusion and doubt” among the public.

Saturday’s developments came on the heels of an Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting at Planning Commission in Dhaka’, followed by the impromptu Advisory Council meeting.

Tensions have risen sharply in recent days, fuelled by Yunus’s reported contemplation of resignation and stark disagreements between the interim administration and the military, particularly over the timing of national elections.

The Advisory Council concluded by reiterating its intent to continue engaging political parties and to clarify the government’s position in response to ongoing demands and challenges.