Students’ new political party may emerge, CA tells FT

NN Online:

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has said the formation of a new political party by students is a possibility, and they are already campaigning for it, reports the British daily newspaper Financial Times (FT).

Speaking on a podcast during his visit to Davos, Switzerland, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus said, “This is a good time because I am always protecting the unity of the nation. I do not want to depart from that. One possibility is that the students themselves will form a party.”

The podcast, titled “Rachman Review,” hosted by Gideon Rachman, the chief foreign affairs commentator for the Financial Times, featured a discussion between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Rachman on a range of global issues and the recorded discussion was released in written form on Thursday.

In response to a question on the upcoming national elections in Bangladesh, the chief adviser, speaking on a podcast, emphasised that the two potential election periods he mentioned are ideal. He stressed that he is committed to preserving national unity and does not want to deviate from that goal.

During the discussion, Dr Yunus reflected on the possibility of students forming their own political party. He recalled the early days when he included three students in his advisory council, telling them that if they could contribute to the nation’s “life,” they would have a seat at the table to make decisions on what needed to be done.

“Now, these students are asking me to form a party, confident that they have the opportunity to make a significant impact. Despite acknowledging that they may initially face challenges, such as not winning seats in parliament,” he said.

The chief adviser encouraged them to pursue their goals, saying that the entire nation knows them and the work they are doing.

He also pointed out the risks involved in forming a political party, as students may become involved in traditional politics, potentially leading to corruption. “However, I believe they are committed to their reason and are already actively campaigning and organising people across the country,” he added.

In response to concerns raised by the host about Islamist groups potentially taking control of the country, Dr Yunus disagreed, saying, “I did not see any signs of such an outcome.”

He praised the youth for their commitment and for staying focused on their goals without being influenced by negative forces or personal political ambitions. Yunus concluded by saying that the students’ intentions are clear and their efforts will help protect the gains made by the country.