Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, has stated that if reforms are completed swiftly, the country could hold elections as early as December this year. He also expressed his initial astonishment upon being entrusted with the leadership after the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, revealed that he never expected to take on the role of governing the country. Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Yunus said that he was “overwhelmed” when he was asked to assume office after the removal of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina due to a student movement.
In the interview, Yunus emphasized that the priority of his government was to restore law and order and rebuild the economy, which he described as being in “ruins” after years of mismanagement. He expressed that once reforms are swiftly completed, elections could be held in December, but if long-term reforms are necessary, it could take several more months.
“The faster the reforms are completed, the sooner we can hold elections, possibly in December. But if major reforms are needed, it could take a few more months. We have started from a state of complete disorder,” he stated.
Yunus also commented on the uncertainty regarding whether the Awami League, under Hasina’s leadership, would participate in the upcoming elections. He clarified that it was up to the party to decide, not him. However, he indicated that the Election Commission would determine who participates in the election.
Regarding the political unrest and protests against the previous government’s rule, Yunus acknowledged that the country had suffered under Hasina’s regime, especially after reports of human rights abuses and political suppression during her 16 years in power. Despite some progress since Hasina’s ousting, Yunus stated that the law and order situation had not fully stabilized yet.
In addition to his comments on domestic issues, Yunus also addressed foreign aid concerns. He noted that the Trump administration’s reduction of foreign aid to Bangladesh had been challenging but also beneficial in pushing for anti-corruption reforms.
“We will manage the deficit as the time comes,” Yunus concluded, highlighting his focus on economic recovery and political stability for the nation’s future.
LND/BG
