ছবি: Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus - Photo: Collected
Dr. Yunus emphasized the importance of justice, saying, "The Awami League will be welcomed into elections once those involved in murders and abuse of power are held accountable. They will have the same freedom to participate in elections as others, and we will compete against them in the political arena."
He also addressed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision to reside in India and speak out from there. Dr. Yunus expressed concerns, saying, "India has not only sheltered her, but the worst part is that she is speaking from there, which is causing significant issues for us. Hearing her voice frustrates people. We must stop this."
Dr. Yunus recounted the circumstances leading to his role as Chief Advisor after Sheikh Hasina's fall. Initially reluctant, he said he eventually took on the responsibility out of respect for those who had lost their lives in protests. "At first, I tried to avoid the role, saying they should find someone else. But later, I thought about the sacrifices people made and decided to do my best."
The interview also shed light on Dr. Yunus's relationship with global leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden. His positive rapport with Biden, he noted, has been instrumental in maintaining Bangladesh's ties with international organizations like the IMF and World Bank despite political upheaval.
However, the prospect of Donald Trump’s return to power raises concerns. Trump recently posted about alleged persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, an issue that some believe the Awami League and Indian Americans are leveraging to push for U.S. sanctions on Bangladesh. Additionally, tensions exist between Trump and Dr. Yunus due to Yunus’s remarks following Hillary Clinton’s 2016 defeat.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Yunus expressed confidence in finding common ground with Trump, stating, "Trump is a businessman, and we are also engaged in business. We are not asking for aid but seeking a business partnership."
Dr. Yunus highlighted efforts to recover funds allegedly laundered during the Awami League government’s tenure. He revealed that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged support in this endeavor. "Countries we have approached for recovering these funds have assured their cooperation, as they have done in other cases," he added.
Dr. Yunus reiterated that reforms are more critical than any other agenda before the upcoming elections. He stressed the need for improving the quality of life for ordinary citizens, warning that public impatience could grow if their conditions do not improve, potentially leading them to reminisce about Awami League’s tenure.
Understanding this, Dr. Yunus vowed to work towards bettering people's lives, stating, "The core of this movement is reform. That is why we are calling it Bangladesh 2.0."
This vision underscores his commitment to reshaping Bangladesh’s governance and economy while addressing public grievances and ensuring accountability.
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