1. Dr. Yunus’s Accountability to the People:

In July 2024, a new chapter began in the country’s politics and the lives of its people. The much-anticipated ‘July Declaration’—achieved through long-standing mass movements and national unity—was expected to promise good governance, judicial reform, and free elections. This declaration raised deep hopes across the political landscape. Based on it, the ‘July Accord’ was to be formed. Dr. Muhammad Yunus pledged through this accord to create a people’s assembly and draft a new constitution, aiming to end nepotism, corruption, and irregularities in politics.

2. Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s Responsibilities and Public Expectations:

As the chief advisor of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus faced a huge challenge—to organize free and fair elections through political and administrative reforms. The people and politicians expected him to:

(1). Ensure unity and participation among political parties,

(2). Reform the structural framework of the Election Commission and electoral system,

(3). Bring transparency to the legal and judicial system,

(4). Transform the police, administration, and armed forces,

(5). Eliminate nepotism and interest-driven groups from politics.

They believed that after implementing these reforms, elections would restore public confidence and elevate the country’s politics to a new level.

3. Conflict Between Reform and Election:

However, recently it appears that Dr. Yunus is leaning towards holding quick elections, leaving reform works to the next elected government. Political analysts and public opinion have expressed various concerns about this. Many fear that without necessary reforms before the election, the election will be hollow and a source of instability.

One political analyst commented:

> “Quick elections may lead to a change of power, but not to a change in the country’s political and administrative structure. This will again increase corruption, embezzlement, and instability.”

4. Allegation — July Declaration Written in Favor of BNP:

The ‘July Declaration’ announced on July 5 was strongly criticized by writer and thinker Farhad Mazhar. He also referred to it as the ‘S Alam Declaration’, implying it was created to protect the interests of a group called BNP. In particular, he stated:

> “This declaration was politically written to protect the interests of one specific party, namely BNP. It contradicts the people’s expectations and will create division instead of national unity.”

Other analysts also agree with this criticism, believing it attempts a unilateral seizure of power rather than genuine national unity.

5. Public Expectations and Political Reality:

The people of the country have long suffered from political discrimination, corruption, and lack of justice. Behind mass movements like the July Revolution was a unanimous desire for liberation from prolonged misrule, establishing egalitarian politics and true democracy. This aspiration remains intact today, and thus people want no election without guiding reforms.

On the other hand, political circles also realize that mere power changes through elections will revive old problems anew. Therefore, some demand that before elections, the following reforms must be ensured:

(1). Make the Election Commission independent and transparent,

(2). Restore the independence of the judiciary,

(3). Ensure neutrality in administration, police, and armed forces,

(4). Eradicate nepotism and family dominance in politics.

6. Overall Analysis and Future Outlook:

It is clear in the current situation that Dr. Muhammad Yunus has no way to step down if he chooses to end his responsibility by holding quick elections without reforms. Both political actors and public opinion will reject this. Without creating a proper environment through desired reforms and political unity before the elections, the country’s stable and prosperous future remains uncertain.

One politician commented:

> “Elections without reforms mean new pain from old wounds. If we proceed this way, tomorrow’s politics will again be engulfed in instability.”

7. Dr Yunus Faces a Huge Challenge :

Dr. Muhammad Yunus faces a great opportunity and challenge—to end the prolonged crisis and loss of public trust in the country’s politics. His steps will deeply resonate in the people’s hearts if he genuinely respects public opinion. To that end,

Dr. Yunus has no chance to step down with a hollow election without reform.

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