The government will take necessary steps, in consultation with the people, if any activities hinder or render impossible its assigned duties and operations, including reform initiatives, judicial processes and fair election plans.

The Advisory Council of the government said in a statement after an unscheduled meeting held at the NEC Conference Room in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Saturday, with Chief Advisor Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair.

The two-hour-long meeting included detailed discussions on three primary responsibilities entrusted to the interim government – elections, reforms and justice.

The council discussed 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 believes that a broader unity is essential to maintain national stability, organise a free and fair election, justice, and reform, and permanently prevent the return of authoritarianism in the country.

On this matter, the government will listen to the views of political parties and clarify its own position.

Despite all obstacles, the Interim Government continues to fulfil its responsibilities by putting national interests above group interests.

However, 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.

The 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, it said.