Staff Correspondent

The government will take necessary decisions with support of the people if their functioning is rendered impossible, the Advisory Council said today (24 May).

"The interim government upholds the public expectations of the July uprising. But if the government's autonomy, reform efforts, justice process, fair election plan, and normal operations are obstructed to the point of making its duties unmanageable, it will, with the people, take the necessary steps," the Advisory Council said in a statement.he Advisory Council statement comes just hours before Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' scheduled talks with the BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on elections and current issues – including Rakhine humanitarian corridor, foreign investment in ports – which both parties, alongside various other groups have strongly opposed.The council's statement further said, "If—under the instigation of defeated forces or as part of a foreign conspiracy—the performance of these responsibilities becomes impossible, the government will present all reasons to the public and then take the necessary steps with the people." An unscheduled meeting of the Advisory Council was held today, following the session of the National Economic Council. 

The meeting included detailed discussions on the three primary responsibilities assigned to the interim government: elections, reforms, and justice.

The meeting took place at the Planning Commission in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, under the chairmanship of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

The statement further said the Advisory Council discussed in detail how "unreasonable demands, deliberately provocative and jurisdictionally overreaching statements, and disruptive programmes have been continuously obstructing the normal functioning environment and creating confusion and suspicion among the public."

The Advisory Council said it believes that a broader unity is essential to maintain national stability, organise a free and fair elections, justice, and reform, and permanently prevent the return of authoritarianism in the country.

The council stated that the interim government will listen to the views of political parties on matters centering elections, reforms and justice, and clarify its own stance.

"Despite all obstacles, the interim government continues to fulfil its responsibilities by putting national interests above group interests," reads the statement.

Highlights:

• The interim government will take necessary steps with public backing if its work is obstructed.
• It remains committed to reforms, justice, and free elections, reflecting the July uprising's demands
• The council warned against disruptive actions and foreign influence undermining governance
• The government will engage with political parties but prioritize national interest over group agendas