‘Verdict needed before welcoming AL to polls’
NN Online:
Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus has said the Awami League (AL) will be welcomed to participate in the upcoming elections. However, he emphasised that before this, justice must be served for all those involved in the casualties during the July-August student movement, including AL members and their associates.
He said, “They will be held accountable. If not proven guilty in the trial, they will have the right to participate in the elections. Those who are not guilty are as free as anyone else to contest the elections. Our fight against the Awami League will be based on political grounds.”
The chief advisor made these remarks during an extensive interview to “Time” magazine which has been published on Thursday about the casualties from July-August mass uprising.
He said, “When I was first asked to take on the responsibility of the government, I tried to avoid it. But later, I thought, many of them have sacrificed their lives, and their friends have done the same, so I will do my best.
“In the July-August movement, more than 1,500 people were killed and many others injured in clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces. On the other hand, over the past 15 years of Hasina’s rule, more than 3,000 people have been subjected to extrajudicial abductions. Additionally, a fascist regime was established through murder, abductions, and these led to destruction of state institutions.”
Regarding Sheikh Hasina seeking asylum in India, Dr Yunus said, “She has not only sought refuge in India but continues to make statements, which have become a major issue for us. From there, she is spreading propaganda against the government’s advisors.
“Consequently, a request has been made for her return to Bangladesh in connection with the case filed against her for inciting violence. However, no one believes that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will agree to this.”
Regarding Donald Trump’s post about the minority community, Dr Yunus said, “I am confident that I can discuss this with Donald Trump. Furthermore, Trump is a businessman, and we are also focused on business. We are not seeking free money to address a crisis, instead, we are looking for a business partnership. It is vital to reassure global institutions that Bangladesh is open for business.”
Pledging to reform the country, he said, “A six-point reform process is currently underway, targeting the electoral system, police, judiciary, anti-corruption commission, public administration, and the national constitution.”