Yunus reiterates reforms for free, fair polls
Staff Reporter :
Dr Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to the interim government, has emphasised the need to establish a process that ensures Bangladeshi citizens can vote in elections freely and fairly, without any obstacles or intimidation.
He made this statement during a meeting with Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday during the WEF’s annual meeting.
Meanwhile, after concluding the WEF meeting, Dr Yunus is set to return home on Saturday following a four-day tour, during which he had nearly 50 engagements with various global leaders, including heads of state and government, according to his press wing.
The Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam, will see him off at Zurich International Airport.
Referring to the background of the July uprising, the Chief Adviser told Klaus Schwab, “In July last year, students in Bangladesh took to the streets demanding an end to discrimination in government jobs.
During the protests, the students expressed their aspirations and dreams by drawing graffiti on the walls of Dhaka.”
“It is extremely unfortunate that the new voters in Bangladesh over the past 16 years have not had the opportunity to vote,” he added.
Discussing the interim government’s reform agenda, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist stated, “The government cannot organise an election without understanding what type of election the people want.”
He explained, “The government is prepared to organise the election, but now the people of the country must decide what the process will look like. Do they want a small-scale reform programme or demand long-term reforms?”
“If the people want quick reforms, we aim to hold elections by the end of this year. However, if they call for long-term reforms, it will take another six months,” he continued.
Describing the current generation as the strongest in human history, Professor Yunus said, “This generation has immense potential.”
He stated, “Technology has transformed this generation, making them not only Bangladeshi youth but also part of the global youth community.”
“This generation does not want to return to the old Bangladesh; therefore, a new Bangladesh must be built,” he highlighted.
Professor Yunus also mentioned that a consensus commission is being established to build agreement on every aspect of youth work. The July Accord will be prepared based on the consensus of all political parties and civil society organisations.
He further shared that his government is working to steer Bangladesh’s economy back on a positive path. The foreign exchange reserves and the banking system have already shown signs of improvement.
Meanwhile, Aamer Alireza, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Xenel Group (Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company Limited), met with the Chief Adviser on Friday to discuss potential areas of cooperation, according to the Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
American investor Ray Dalio, founder of Marino Management and Dalio Family Office, also had a meeting with the Chief Adviser.