Abu Jakir :
The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, has completed its first month in office today, earning widespread appreciation for the decisions it has made so far. Dr. Yunus, though not a political figure, has swiftly adapted to the role, handling each situation with skill and efficiency after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.
As one of Bangladesh’s most globally recognized figures, holding prestigious accolades like the Nobel Peace Prize and the U.S. Congressional Medal, Yunus’s entrance into governance has been met with strong public support.
His early steps toward state reform have been well-received, and he has successfully initiated dialogues with political parties, many of which were demanding a roadmap for general elections.
In recent meetings at his official residence, Jamuna, Yunus gathered recommendations from political parties on election reforms, further solidifying his approach to conducting “free, fair, and participatory” elections.
Yunus, who took office on August 8, has held a series of consultations with political stakeholders to finalize necessary reforms, positioning his administration as a dynamic force in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
According to political analyst Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, “The interim administration led by Dr. Yunus is doing well. Each and every step of the Yunus government has been brilliant. We appreciate this government.”
Majumdar also extended his thanks, saying, “Well done, Dr. Yunus,” and called for more time for the administration to run the country, believing this could lead to a better Bangladesh.
One of the most significant achievements in Yunus’s first month has been the release of 57 Bangladeshi expatriates from the UAE. This diplomatic success reportedly followed a personal request from Yunus to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The action highlighted the influential role Yunus plays on the global stage and resonated strongly with the more than 10 million Bangladeshis living abroad. The Bangladeshi diaspora is a key economic force, contributing billions in remittances annually, and this move reinforced the administration’s commitment to the expatriate community.
In addition to diplomatic gains, the Yunus government has addressed human rights issues, notably protesting the killing of a minority girl near the Indian border. Yunus issued a strong statement in an interview with India’s PTI, calling for a genuine resolution to the Teesta water-sharing issue, reflecting his administration’s proactive stance on international relations.
On August 29, the interim government further demonstrated its commitment to human rights by signing the instrument of accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
With this move, Bangladesh is now party to all nine core human rights treaties, signifying a pledge to investigate cases of enforced disappearances and uphold justice.
Economic reforms have also been a focal point of the Yunus administration. Dr. Yunus has promised far-reaching measures to restore macroeconomic stability and prioritize good governance while fighting corruption and mismanagement.
The appointment of Ahsan H. Mansur as the new governor of Bangladesh Bank is part of these reforms, particularly aimed at stabilizing the fragile banking sector.
Furthermore, a committee has been formed to prepare a comprehensive “White Paper” on the state of the nation’s economy, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Among the symbolic gestures that have captured public attention, the Advisory Council’s decision to convert the former prime minister’s official residence, Gonobhaban, into the “July Revolution Memorial Museum” stands out.
This honors the student-led uprising that culminated in the ousting of the Hasina government on August 5.
Additionally, Yunus’s decision to limit his delegation to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York to just seven people—contrasting with Hasina’s previously large and extravagant entourages—was widely praised as a prudent use of public resources.
On a smaller but equally impactful scale, Yunus’s office replaced plastic bottles with glass mugs and jars, a move that was well-received by the public and highlighted on social media by his press secretary, Shafiqul Alam.
These small yet meaningful changes symbolize the shift in governance and leadership style.
Amid this wave of support, the Yunus administration has also maintained its integrity in the public eye.
When businesses attempted to capitalize on his image by using it in advertisements, Yunus’s office issued a firm statement prohibiting such practices, reinforcing the new government’s professional and ethical approach.