• He vows reforms, seeks patience from people

Daily Sky Desk:

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said on Sunday that the timing of the election is a political decision, and it will be up to the people to determine how long this interim government will remain in power.

“Everyone is interested to know when our government will leave. The answer to that question lies in your hands. It is up to you when you wish to bid us farewell,” he said in a televised address to the nation.

“The people will have to decide when you will let us go,” the chief adviser continued. “We took charge at the urging of the students. They are our primary employers,” he added.

He also mentioned that a free, fair, and inclusive election will be arranged after necessary reforms are completed in the administration, judiciary, Election Commission and electoral system, law and order, and the flow of information, to bring the student-led mass movement to a successful conclusion.

“This will pave the way for a new political arrangement focused on accountability and combating corruption, looting, and mass killing,” Dr Yunus said.

Professor Yunus further urged the public to have patience in seeing the reforms through and to allow time for the significant challenges to be gradually overcome, rather than insisting on immediate solutions.

“I would like to say, you must be patient. We need to avoid forcing all demands to be met immediately, entering institutions and threatening individuals, pressing for cases to be accepted, and seeking to punish arrested individuals in court before their trial,” he stated.

Prof Yunus warned that unruly behaviour could undermine the glory and potential of the people’s revolution and hinder efforts to build a new Bangladesh.

Stating that it has been only two weeks since the current government took office, the chief adviser sincerely thanked the people for their support during the initial phase of state reforms.

“We understand that you have high expectations from us, and we are committed to fulfilling them. The long period of democratic deficit and 15 years of fascist rule that have left us with mountain-like challenges in nearly every sector. We are prepared to face these challenges.”

Dr Yunus, the 2006 Nobel peace laureate, said it is difficult to overcome the current situation of the country overnight as his government is working to rebuild the country standing on a structure that is quite contrary to the public interest.

“We want to build the country in such a way so that its people truly become the source of all power. We want it to be recognised as a humane and welfare-oriented nation on the global stage. We must succeed in state reforms to honour the sacrifices of the younger generation, students, and the people. There is no alternative to this,” he observed.

The chief adviser said local government institutions will be empowered and decentralisation of power will be ensured to strengthen democracy.

GOVT HAS CLEAR STANCE AGAINST CORRUPTION

Mentioning that the current government has taken a clear stance against corruption, he said all the advisors will present their asset details within the shortest possible time. “Gradually, this will become a regular and mandatory practice for all government officials.”

To address corruption at the state level, the chief adviser said an ordinance must be promulgated for the appointment of an ombudsman as promised in Article 77 of the Constitution.

He said a committee has already been formed to prepare a white paper on the corruption, money laundering, and anti-public interest agreements of the past 15 years.

“I have been meeting with ambassadors from different countries and representatives of donor organizations…I am requesting their support for all forms of economic and other assistance needed for rebuilding the country following the student-led mass upsurge,” DrYunus said.

They have shown interest in this matter. We are working to draft and send our proposals to them promptly. I have also requested that they expedite the release of funds due to the urgent circumstances. I have conveyed that while the current situation is challenging, it presents a significant opportunity for the nation. I am seeking their cooperation to fully capitalise on this opportunity.

INITIATIVES TAKEN TO ENSURE GOOD GOVERNANCE IN BANKING SECTOR

Initiatives have been taken to ensure good governance in the banking sector which has become an arena of looting and corruption, Dr Yunus said.

“Skilled manpower is being recruited in this sector. We have initiated initiatives to bring order and discipline in the banking sector to create a supportive environment for business and ease people’s lives.”

Bank commission will be constituted for long term reforms in the banking sector, he said, adding that a draft will be drawn up on the country’s current financial state and it will be made public soon.

“Quick steps are being taken to resolve the extreme chaos in the stock market, transport sector, etc,” said the chief adviser.

This was his second speech to the nation since his appointment as chief adviser to the interim government on 8 August.