For a country grappling with a major political turmoil, street violence and the ouster of its long-time President Sheikh Hasina, the challenges have just begun for Bangladesh. The Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus has now sought “patience” from the people.
In a televised speech to the nation on Sunday, August 25, Yunus appealed for people to stay patient. He stated that it is difficult to overcome ‘mountain-like challenges’ overnight. All demands of the people cannot be met in an instant.
In an important message, he urged the people of Bangladesh to not take law in their hands, or resort to violence and put people’s lives at risks by entering institutions. They must refrain from storming institutions, putting pressure to accept cases or having a tendency to do some kind of trial in advance by attacking people while they are being taken to courts for the July 2024 anti-government protests. He reminded the people that such acts will only fade the glory and potential of building a new Bangladesh.
He assured the people that his interim government has started work on various reforms – administrative, judicial, on election commission and electoral system, law and order, and information flow systems. A committee has already been instituted to prepare a white paper on corruption, money laundering, anti-people agreements and looting in the last 15 years.
Free, fair and participatory elections will ensue these vital reforms in different sectors, and that would be a successful consequence of the student-people mass protests. But the final decision on the elections would be a political decision, which will come from political discussions. Yunus declared that the government’s ultimate mission is to introduce an accountable political system.
Yunus did not give any deadline for the tenure of his interim government but acknowledged that they took charge only due to the student’s call during the national crisis and advisors will not rule the country. But his government will put in all efforts to meet people’s aspirations and its tenure will depend on the people.
He also said that his government will maintain friendly relations with all countries, and mutual trust, cooperation, and respect for international law, will be the bases of foreign policy.
Nonetheless, the next few months will be crucial for Bangladesh as it charts a new territory after a huge political upheaval. India, a close neighbour and ally, will be watching the developments closely as this will have repercussions on the stability of South Asia and its bilateral relationship.
