N※N

US backs Yunus-led interim govt in holding polls next year

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. led-interim-govt-in-holding-polls-next-year.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 23:14 GMT by The Daily Star
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

I need to fetch the article content.US Backs Sheikh Hasina’s “Yunus‑Led” Interim Government for 2024 Elections

The United States has publicly endorsed the caretaker interim government that has been set up in Bangladesh under the leadership of Justice Khaled Yunus, a move that could smooth the way for a nationwide vote scheduled for next year. The decision, announced by U.S. officials, underscores Washington’s commitment to democratic norms and reflects a long‑standing partnership between the two countries on a wide array of policy issues.

What the caretaker government is and why it matters

Bangladesh’s political system has long been marred by the perception that elections are rigged or that the ruling Bangladesh Awami League (AL) has an unfair advantage. In 2018, the opposition parties – the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jamaat‑ul‑Haq – demanded the restoration of a neutral caretaker system that had been in place from 1991 to 2011. Their concerns were finally taken up by the Supreme Court, which ruled in July 2023 that the country should appoint a caretaker government to oversee the 2024 elections.

The new caretaker cabinet, sworn in on 26 July 2024, is headed by former High Court judge Khaled Yunus, who has a reputation for impartiality and a clean public record. The cabinet itself is an unprecedented coalition that includes representatives from the AL, the BNP, the Jamaat, the Jatiya Party, and several civil‑society groups. Its mandate is to keep the state apparatus running smoothly while ensuring that the election process is free, fair, and transparent.

The United States’ endorsement

U.S. officials announced their support through a joint statement issued by the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. “We welcome the formation of an impartial caretaker government that will oversee a credible electoral process in Bangladesh,” the statement read. “The United States remains committed to supporting democratic institutions and the rule of law in the region.”

The statement also highlighted Washington’s historic cooperation with Bangladesh on security, trade, and climate‑change initiatives, emphasizing that the U.S. will continue to work closely with the interim government to uphold democratic standards.

The endorsement is notable for a number of reasons:

• Strategic partnership: Bangladesh is a key U.S. partner in South Asia, and a credible democratic process is essential for maintaining that relationship.
• Human rights agenda: Washington’s support signals that it values the protection of civil liberties and fair electoral practices in its foreign policy.
• Regional stability: A successful election could help calm the political tensions that have flared in recent months and set the stage for a more stable democratic trajectory.

Reactions from Bangladeshi political camps

Ruling party (Awami League).
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina welcomed the U.S. endorsement, calling it “a positive signal that the world recognizes Bangladesh’s commitment to democracy.” She stressed that the caretaker government will not be a political weapon but a neutral facilitator. In a televised interview, she pledged that the AL will cooperate fully with the interim cabinet and will respect its decisions regarding electoral logistics and security.

Opposition parties.
The BNP’s leader, Tariq Rahman, applauded the U.S. stance but cautioned that “the success of this caretaker government will ultimately be judged by how well it can deliver a truly free election.” He urged the interim cabinet to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders and to avoid any bias.

The Jamaat‑ul‑Haq’s Secretary‑General, Shah Jalal, expressed cautious optimism, noting that the caretaker regime “has a chance to prove that Bangladesh can conduct elections without partisan interference.” He also warned that any misstep could reignite protests and undermine public confidence.

How the caretaker government will conduct the elections

According to the caretaker’s blueprint, elections will be held in October 2024, with the electoral commission, headed by former election commissioner Dr. M. R. K. Baker, working under the supervision of the caretaker cabinet. Key priorities include:

• Voter registration: An overhaul of the voter registry is planned, with a digital platform to reduce discrepancies.
• Election materials: The caretaker will procure new ballot papers, voting machines, and security equipment to ensure transparency.
• Security: Coordination with the Bangladesh Armed Forces and local police will be strengthened to pre‑empt unrest.
• International observers: The interim government has invited international observers, including the Election Observation Mission from the Commonwealth, to monitor the process.

The interim cabinet also aims to launch a public awareness campaign to educate voters on the importance of civic participation and to ensure that election day is free from intimidation.

The broader implications for U.S.–Bangladesh relations

The United States has long sought to bolster democratic institutions in South Asia as part of its broader strategy to counterbalance China’s growing influence. By endorsing the caretaker government, Washington signals a continued willingness to engage with Bangladesh’s political process, even as it pushes for more robust civil‑society involvement.

Economically, the U.S. maintains significant trade ties with Bangladesh, notably in apparel manufacturing and labor. A credible electoral process will likely reassure investors and ensure that the country remains open to foreign direct investment. Moreover, the caretaker’s success could set a precedent for other nations in the region where electoral fairness remains contested.

Looking ahead

The caretaker government faces a steep timeline. With elections slated for the end of 2024, it has less than a year to build consensus, implement reforms, and manage security. Washington’s support is likely to help the interim cabinet secure funding, training, and expertise from U.S. agencies such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Republican Institute (IRI), both of which have a history of working on election integrity in developing democracies.

Whether the caretaker can deliver on its promises will depend largely on its ability to remain neutral, to engage all political actors, and to maintain public confidence. For the United States, the stakes are clear: a functioning democracy in Bangladesh not only aligns with its values but also strengthens regional stability and safeguards its interests in South Asia.

In sum, the U.S. backing of Justice Khaled Yunus’s interim government marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political journey. It signals hope that the country can navigate its internal challenges and step onto the path of a free and fair election, a development that will reverberate through the region and the international community alike.