No space for fascist AL in BD politics
Staff Reporter :
Nobel laureate and interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus recently criticized the Awami League calling it a “fascist” entity that has “no place” in the country’s political future.
In a pointed interview with the Financial Times, Yunus, a longtime proponent of nonviolent reform, condemned the party’s authoritarian tendencies under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule, drawing attention to alleged abuses and manipulation of the nation’s democratic institutions.
The 84-year-old economist and social entrepreneur, celebrated globally for his pioneering work in microfinance through Grameen Bank, now oversees an interim administration.
This provisional government has been tasked with re-establishing a functional democratic system in the wake of Hasina’s ouster and is actively laying the groundwork for eventual elections.
Yunus accused the Awami League of systematically dominating Bangladesh’s political and administrative machinery for self-serving interests, a move he says stripped democratic systems of their integrity.
“They controlled the people, they controlled the political machinery, and they controlled the institutions to enhance their interest,” Yunus stated.
He emphasized that no party employing “fascist” tactics should be permitted to operate within a democratic framework.
The Awami League’s alleged methods, including electoral manipulation, extrajudicial killings, and tightening control over judicial and public sectors, have drawn widespread condemnation from political rivals and human rights groups alike.
The allegations, which include targeted acts against opposition figures, have fueled public debate about the future of the party itself.
Yunus disclosed that his administration has no immediate plans to request Hasina’s extradition from India, where she is currently staying.
Rather, the interim government awaits the conclusion of a domestic tribunal addressing accusations of crimes against humanity before considering legal action against her.
“When the verdict comes out, we’ll try to get her back through the extradition treaty with India,” Yunus explained.
The situation has further strained Bangladesh’s historically close relations with India, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed concerns over the security of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh following the shift in leadership.
Reports of violence against Hindus, though labeled as politically motivated rather than religiously targeted, have cast a shadow over Yunus’s administration, particularly given New Delhi’s skepticism regarding the U.S.’s role in what some allege was a “U.S.-backed regime change.”
While Yunus anticipates that the Awami League could face disintegration or reform, he reiterated that any decision regarding the party’s participation in future elections would rest with Bangladesh’s political community.
“They have to decide their political space,” Yunus said, clarifying that his administration remains apolitical and is primarily focused on restoring fair governance.
Some former Awami League leaders, including Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, the party’s organizing secretary, have indicated a readiness to re-engage in Bangladesh’s political landscape, expressing intentions to participate in forthcoming elections despite the party’s uncertain legal status.
Since assuming leadership, Yunus has championed structural reforms to foster transparency and accountability.
His cabinet has implemented 10 specialized commissions aimed at overhauling the judiciary, police, and public administration.
Yunus has stressed his disinterest in long-term political involvement, stating, “Our job is to get things settled and get a new reform agenda done.”
He remains cautious about setting a date for elections, emphasizing that the decision will hinge on consultations with the nation’s political factions.
In recent months, human rights organizations have monitored reports of retaliation against Awami League supporters, with hundreds reportedly killed in political violence since Hasina’s removal.
However, Yunus denied any targeted persecution of minorities, asserting that the incidents involving Hindus were largely political reprisals against Awami League loyalists rather than religious discrimination.