Dhaka, Jan 24 (NationPress) The Awami League of Bangladesh has labeled the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus as illegal, accusing it of attempting to orchestrate a so-called referendum. This move is not just a severe breach of constitutional principles; it is viewed as a deliberate strategy to deceive the populace.

Scheduled for February 12, the referendum coincides with the national elections, which the party describes as a farce designed by the Yunus administration and a black mark on the nation’s constitutional history.

It was further claimed that an illegitimate government lacking public support is trying to dictate the future of the nation while keeping its citizens uninformed.

The Awami League pointed out, “Since the orchestrated riots aimed at toppling an elected government in July 2024, the actions of Muhammad Yunus and his so-called advisory council have turned into a disgraceful chapter in Bangladesh’s constitutional narrative. This foreign-sponsored coup, aided by Islamist militant factions and quietly supported by certain military elements, has thrived on betrayal rather than popular consent,” the party declared.

Emphasizing the Constitution of Bangladesh, the Awami League remarked, “Article 7 explicitly states that all authority of the Republic belongs to the citizens. This fundamental tenet underpins the constitutional mechanism of a referendum, where the public can express their will directly. However, the audacity of the Yunus government to propose a referendum while concealing the details of thirty alleged reform proposals directly contradicts the spirit of the Constitution.”

The party insisted that in a true democracy, seeking public input without transparency is not a referendum but rather a sham.

“How can the public voice their opinions without knowing what they are voting on? When voters approach the ballot box, they should not be asked to vote yes or no without understanding the subject matter. This is not only undemocratic but also a significant affront to the intellect and rights of the populace. The constitutionally guaranteed right to information, the necessity for transparency, and the basic tenets of democratic engagement are all being disregarded,” they criticized the interim government's initiative for a referendum.

The Awami League expressed apprehension that the actions of the Yunus-led interim government are driving Bangladesh closer to the erosion of the people's constitutional rights.

In an attack on the Yunus administration, the party stated, “Following directives from foreign sponsors, backed by Islamist militants and protected by elements within the military, this illegitimate regime is determined to dismantle the Constitution and democracy. Conducting a referendum while hiding the details of thirty reform proposals is not just unconstitutional; it is a blatant act of deception against the citizens.”