—Audite Karim—

At last, the tenure of Dr. Muhammad Yunus has come to an end. Following the swearing-in of a new cabinet led by Tarique Rahman on February 17, the Yunus chapter formally closed. After a mass uprising, and in line with the wishes of student leaders who had guided the movement, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Yunus was welcomed by the nation as Chief Adviser. As an internationally renowned figure with global recognition, his appointment generated widespread optimism. Bangladesh hoped that under his leadership the country would transform — standing tall before the world, advancing rapidly toward economic prosperity, reducing inequality, curbing corruption, protecting human rights, ensuring rule of law and justice, empowering women, fostering merit in education, and safeguarding freedom of expression. These were the dreams people associated with Dr. Yunus — dreams he himself had promised.

Dr. Yunus is undeniably a powerful speaker, and many felt captivated by his words. Yet after 18 months, if one opens the ledger, critics say the credit column appears empty. His tenure is described by detractors as a period of disappointment, anxiety, and hardship — remembered as a dark chapter. With the new government’s oath-taking, many felt as though they had been released from confinement. For them, these 18 months will remain a time of unease and distress.

WHAT DID DR YUNUS GIVE BANGLADESH IN 18 MONTHS?

Critics argue that mob violence became normalized, with incidents of forceful occupation of homes and businesses allegedly increasing. A culture emerged, they claim, where groups operated above the law, influencing arrests, releases, or public decisions. In this narrative, authority shifted from formal institutions to pressure groups, leaving ordinary citizens feeling powerless.

Economically, Dr. Yunus had promised revitalization. Foreign-based appointees were brought into key roles amid bold assurances that Bangladesh would soon resemble high-growth economies. However, critics contend that instead of delivering progress, policy decisions favored external interests. They allege that the domestic private sector weakened, with legal pressures and instability discouraging entrepreneurship. Factory closures and unemployment reportedly rose, deepening poverty and economic strain.

In education, detractors say discipline and continuity eroded. Campus conflicts, disrupted classes, and protests became frequent, while leadership responses were seen as insufficient to restore order.

Media professionals also reported an atmosphere of fear. Journalists faced harassment, legal cases, and mob attacks, critics claim, while dissenting voices allegedly encountered pressure or detention — including journalist Anis Alamgir. Government silence in the face of such incidents drew further criticism.

Sports, too, were viewed as affected by political tensions, including decisions surrounding participation in major tournaments. Diplomatically, critics argue Bangladesh’s international standing weakened, with strained regional ties and controversial agreements raising concerns about national interests.

WHAT DID DR YUNUS TAKE DURING HIS TENURE?

As Chief Adviser, Dr. Yunus traveled extensively, visiting numerous countries within a short period. Supporters framed these trips as global engagement; critics viewed them as primarily image-building, centered on promoting his “Three Zeroes” philosophy. They argue that tangible government-to-government gains were limited, while the focus remained on personal branding.

Meanwhile, institutions connected to the Grameen network — including Grameen Bank — received regulatory approvals and policy benefits during this period. These reportedly included authorization for a private university, employment services licensing, digital payment permissions, tax exemptions, and ownership restructuring. The speed of legal resolutions in cases involving Dr. Yunus and associates prompted questions about transparency.

When balancing the ledger, observers may reach differing conclusions. Critics ultimately ask whether, despite the initiatives and benefits described, the country received the peace and stability symbolized by the Nobel recognition that once elevated Dr. Yunus to global prominence.

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Audite Karim — writer and playwright Email: [email protected]