Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen has expressed profound concern over the ongoing political situation in Bangladesh, stating that the current state of affairs has left him deeply troubled. Speaking in an interview with PTI at his ancestral home in Shantiniketan, Sen emphasized that Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, will have to navigate a challenging path to steer the country through its current crisis.

Sen cautioned against the potential banning of the Awami League as a political party, warning that such a move would repeat past mistakes. He recalled how the Awami League government had previously been criticized by other political parties for similar actions. "This kind of step would only lead to a repetition of the same errors," Sen remarked, underscoring the need for a more inclusive and democratic approach to resolving the country's political tensions.

When asked about his assessment of Dr. Yunus in his role as Bangladesh's chief advisor, Sen spoke highly of his longtime friend. "Dr. Yunus is an old friend of mine. I know him to be an exceptionally capable and remarkable individual in many ways. He has made strong statements in support of secularism and democratic commitments in Bangladesh," Sen said. He expressed confidence in Dr. Yunus's ability to address the challenges facing the nation, given his proven track record and dedication to the country's development.

Sen also highlighted the complexities of leading a diverse nation like Bangladesh, where multiple political and religious groups coexist. "If you suddenly find yourself at the helm of a country, you must adopt effective strategies like Dr. Yunus. You have to consider various parties and their perspectives because there are Islamic parties, Hindu parties, and others. I have full faith in Dr. Yunus's capabilities to handle this," Sen added.

The economist's remarks come at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, as the interim government seeks to stabilize the political landscape and foster unity among its diverse population. Dr. Yunus, renowned globally for his pioneering work in microfinance and social entrepreneurship, now faces the formidable task of bridging political divides and ensuring a peaceful transition.

Amartya Sen's comments reflect a broader concern among international observers about the fragility of Bangladesh's democratic institutions and the need for inclusive governance. His endorsement of Dr. Yunus's leadership underscores the importance of experienced and principled figures in navigating the country through its current challenges.

As Bangladesh continues to grapple with political uncertainty, the global community watches closely, hoping that the nation can overcome its divisions and emerge stronger. Dr. Yunus's journey, as highlighted by Sen, will undoubtedly require resilience, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to the values of democracy and secularism.

In conclusion, Amartya Sen's insights serve as both a critique and a call to action for Bangladesh's leadership. His words remind us of the delicate balance required to govern a diverse and dynamic nation, and the critical role that leaders like Dr. Yunus must play in shaping its future.