Polls after reform: Dr Yunus

Staff Reporter :

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Sunday urged the people of Bangladesh to be patient as his administration works to address the immense challenges facing the nation, cautioning against expecting immediate solutions.

“I would like to say, you have to be patient. We must avoid forcing all demands to be met immediately, entering institutions and threatening individuals, pressing for the acceptance of cases, and rushing to punish arrested individuals before their trials,” the Chief Adviser said.

In a televised address to the nation, Professor Yunus warned that unruly behavior could undermine the achievements of the people’s revolution and impede efforts to build a new Bangladesh.

He emphasized that it has only been two weeks since the current government took office and expressed his sincere gratitude for the public’s 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 have left us with mountain-like challenges in nearly every sector.

We are prepared to face these challenges,” said the Nobel laureate.

He acknowledged the difficulty of overcoming the country’s current situation overnight, as the government works to rebuild a nation standing on a structure that has long been at odds with the public interest.

“We want to build the country in such a way that its people truly become the source of all power.

We want it to be recognized as a humane and welfare-oriented nation on the global stage.

We must succeed in state reforms to honor the sacrifices of the younger generation, students, and the people. There is no alternative to this,” Professor Yunus said.

The Chief Adviser announced that a free, fair, and participatory election will be held after implementing necessary reforms in key sectors.

“A free, fair, and participatory national election will be held after necessary reforms to the administration, judiciary, Election Commission, electoral system, law and order sector, and free flow of information to elevate the student-people movement to a successful height,” he said during his address at 7:30 p.m.

BTV, BTV World, and BTV Chattogram Centre broadcasted his speech.
Professor Yunus stated that the main goal of the upcoming election is to introduce an accountable political system that combats corruption, plundering, and mass killings.

He also emphasized the need to strengthen local government institutions and ensure decentralization of power to consolidate democracy.

The government, he said, has taken a strong stance against corruption. “All the advisers to the interim government will disclose their wealth statements as soon as possible.

All government officials will also be required to regularly disclose their wealth statements, which will be made mandatory for all,” Professor Yunus said.

The Nobel Peace Laureate also announced that an ordinance would be proclaimed to appoint an Ombudsman in line with Article 77 of the Constitution, as part of efforts to address corruption at the state level.

Professor Yunus assured the nation that all necessary steps have been taken to restore normalcy in the flood-affected regions of the country and emphasized the importance of both domestic and regional cooperation to tackle such crises in the future. “We are one family. We have one goal,” the Chief Adviser said.

“We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our youth, and we are ready to take on this challenge.”

He called on the nation to support these efforts wholeheartedly, stressing the need to focus on long-term solutions rather than seeking immediate fixes or resorting to vigilante justice.

In his address, the Chief Adviser also revealed plans to establish a “July Mass Killing Memorial Foundation.”

This marks his second national address since assuming the role of Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8, following the ousting of the dictator Hasina on August 5.