TDS Desk

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has said his government pledges to hold the national election only after ushering in constitutional and judicial reforms, including an electoral overhaul.

In an interview with Japanese newspaper Nikkei Asia, published on its website on Monday, Yunus said, “We need comprehensive reforms in the economy, governance, bureaucracy and judiciary [before holding elections].”

Bangladesh’s interim government has established several commissions to promote reforms in areas such as the electoral system, constitution and judiciary, the Nikkei report quoted him as saying.

Prof Yunus said the government would implement full-scale reforms after receiving recommendations from those commissions by January.

He said, “Implementing these reforms will take time, as we are essentially building a ‘new Bangladesh’ from scratch.”

“The timeline will depend on the reform process,” he said. “The outcomes will dictate the timing.”

‘Hasina destroyed everything’

He remarked that the previous regime, led by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, destroyed everything in the country.

“Under her rule, democratic principles were entirely disregarded. She orchestrated sham elections with no voter participation for three consecutive terms, declaring herself and her party the winners unopposed … and operated as a fascist ruler,” he added.

He mentioned that the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh had issued an arrest warrant for Hasina and others.

“Once the trial concludes and a verdict is reached, we will formally request India to hand her over,” Yunus said, adding that under an international law signed by both countries, “India would be obligated to comply.”

‘Mostly propaganda, not based on facts’

Yunus said concerns over the safety of minorities, including in Hindus, was mostly sparked by propaganda.

“Much of what’s being said about this issue is propaganda and not based on facts.”

He invited Indian journalists to investigate these claims and report the reality. “We’re working to explain this to the Indian government and counter the misinformation,” he added.

‘China is our friend’

The chief adviser of the interim government, during the interview, also called China friend.

“From building roads and power plants to seaports, they’re supporting us in various ways.” He added that Bangladesh would continue to cooperate with Beijing.

Malaysia will chair ASEAN from January, and Yunus said that he had discussed Bangladesh’s membership with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“He expressed his willingness to welcome Bangladesh into ASEAN,” Yunus said, although there are several steps to accession.

“The first step would be securing a unanimous resolution to amend that definition [of ASEAN] and include Bangladesh,” he said. “Meanwhile, we aim to gain recognition as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner within ASEAN, and we are optimistic that member states will support this effort.”

Yunus calls for safe zone in Myanmar

Responding to a question about the Rohingya issue,  Yunus said the Rohingyas should return to Myanmar.

“How long can Bangladesh bear this responsibility? We need a clear destination and a shared objective to resolve this crisis,” he said.

He also advocated for the establishment of a UN-administered safe zone in Myanmar

“This would allow the Rohingyas to stay in camps within their own country. If the situation in Myanmar stabilizes, they could return to their homes without needing to be relocated to another country,” he said.

‘I’ve always stayed away from politics’

Asked if he would run in the election, he rejected the idea, saying, “No, I’m not a politician. I’ve always stayed away from politics.”

“Individuals who uphold principles, follow rules and procedures, and are free from corruption” should stand for election”, he added.