News Desk :
In an exclusive interview with Nikkei, Bangladesh’s interim government leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus criticised the governance of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stating that her regime “destroyed everything.”
At 84, Yunus now faces the daunting task of rebuilding the country and laying the foundation for a “new Bangladesh.”
Yunus emphasised that general elections would only be held after significant reforms in the electoral system, judiciary, and governance structures.
“We need comprehensive reforms in the economy, governance, bureaucracy, and judiciary before holding elections,” he said.
Commissions established by the caretaker government are expected to provide reform recommendations by January 2024, with full-scale implementation to follow.
“Implementing these reforms will take time, as we are essentially building a ‘new Bangladesh’ from scratch,” he added.
When asked about a timeline for elections, Yunus stated it would depend on the progress of the reform process. “The outcomes will dictate the timing,” he explained.
Yunus ruled out the possibility of running for office, stating, “No, I’m not a politician. I’ve always stayed away from politics.” He added that candidates should be individuals “who uphold principles, follow rules, and are free from corruption.”
Reflecting on the 15-year tenure of Sheikh Hasina, Yunus said, “The norms of governance were destroyed, and we now face the monumental task of rebuilding – restoring democracy, economic stability, and public trust.”
He accused the former prime minister of running “sham elections” for three consecutive terms and described her governance as “fascist.”
He recalled the events of August, when student-led protests escalated into demands for Hasina’s resignation. Following hundreds of deaths during the demonstrations, Hasina fled Bangladesh by helicopter to India.
An arrest warrant has since been issued for her by the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh.
“Once the trial concludes and a verdict is reached, we will formally request India to hand her over,” Yunus stated, citing international legal obligations.
Yunus addressed the strained relations between Bangladesh and India, which were partly caused by concerns over attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. He dismissed much of the reporting on these incidents as “propaganda” and invited Indian journalists to verify the facts.
On regional cooperation, Yunus proposed reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), envisioning a framework similar to the European Union to facilitate cross-border business. “We need to set aside tensions and work towards regional unity,” he said.
