People still feel interim govt best solution for them: Yunus
The Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, has said that, observing the current situation in Bangladesh, people still feel the interim government is the best solution for them.
In an interview with Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera, Dr. Yunus discussed various issues, including Bangladesh’s July uprising, the escape of former autocratic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, and corruption.
Yunus stated that the people are not calling for the interim government to step down; rather, the government itself is moving towards organising a good election.
The interview, titled "Muhammad Yunus: Real reform or just a new ruling class in Bangladesh?", was published on Al Jazeera’s website on Sunday (April 27).
In the interview, the Chief Adviser expressed his commitment to meaningful reforms by eliminating the irregularities and corruption of the previous government and to delivering a better election than ever before. He mentioned that if the list of reforms remains short, elections could be held by December; however, if the list is extensive, elections might take place by June next year.
Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, gives an interview to Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera. Photo: Screengrab
When asked whether the Awami League would be allowed to participate in the election, Yunus said that part of the decision rests with the Awami League itself, as the party must first decide whether it will participate. He noted that the party has not yet made any announcement. Furthermore, he said various factors, including the Election Commission’s response during the election period, could influence the situation.
When asked if he was leaving the decision on the Awami League’s participation to the Election Commission, Yunus clarified that it was not simply a matter for the Commission. Other political parties might argue that, under current laws, the Awami League should not be allowed to contest the elections.
In response to another question, the Chief Adviser said that he had met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit. During the meeting, he requested Modi to keep Sheikh Hasina quiet. However, Modi replied that he could not do so because, in India, everyone uses social media freely, and it is open to all. Therefore, if Sheikh Hasina says something through social media, he cannot control it.
