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Interim Chief Advisor Yunus Criticizes Hasina’s ‘Brutal Dictatorship’
Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, today told foreign diplomats that he has taken charge of a country left “in many ways a complete mess” following the “brutal dictatorship” of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
At a meeting held at the Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka, Dr. Yunus outlined his government’s priorities, stating that their immediate focus would be on restoring law and order. He emphasized the continued role of the armed forces in supporting civil power until stability is achieved.
Dr. Yunus pledged to safeguard the rights and security of all religious and ethnic communities. He also paid tribute to the students and young activists who sacrificed their lives and suffered injuries during the quota reform movement and the subsequent fall of the Hasina government.
He assured that elections would be conducted as soon as possible, but only after essential reforms have been implemented.
Prioritizing Reforms
Dr. Yunus expressed the critical importance of success for the interim government, stating, “I must succeed. We have no other option.” He condemned the previous regime for dismantling the nation’s institutions, particularly the judiciary, and for suppressing democratic rights through a “brutal decade-and-a-half long crackdown.” He also criticized the economic mismanagement under Sheikh Hasina, citing blatant election rigging, the politically motivated looting of banks, and the misuse of state funds.
The Chief Adviser stressed the need for comprehensive economic reforms to restore stability and growth, with a particular focus on good governance and anti-corruption measures. He vowed to hold free, fair, and inclusive elections once critical reforms in the election commission, judiciary, civil administration, security forces, and media have been completed.
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to national reconciliation and adherence to all regional, international, and bilateral agreements to which Bangladesh is a party. Furthermore, Dr. Yunus affirmed Bangladesh’s dedication to continuing its contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.
A Call for Justice
In an emotional address, Dr. Yunus paid homage to those who made the “supreme sacrifice” in the struggle against Sheikh Hasina’s government. He recounted the tragic toll of the uprising and emphasized the need for justice for the crimes committed during the recent mass protests.
Dr. Yunus welcomed the UN Human Rights Office’s decision to send a fact-finding mission to investigate the violence. He assured that the interim government would fully support an impartial and internationally credible investigation into the massacre, followed by due judicial processes.
International Trade and Relations
Dr. Yunus also addressed concerns about international trade, urging Bangladesh’s trade and investment partners to maintain their confidence in the country. He assured that the interim government would not tolerate any disruption to the global clothing supply chain, where Bangladesh plays a crucial role.
He expressed optimism that the international community would support Bangladesh as it embarks on a new democratic path.
Rohingya Refugee Crisis
On the Rohingya issue, Dr. Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to continue hosting over a million refugees. He called for sustained international efforts to support humanitarian operations and to ensure the safe, dignified, and rights-based repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
Two separate murder cases were filed today in connection with the deaths of a private service holder and a Madrasa student during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The first case was lodged by Ridwan Ahmed with Panchlaish police station, accusing former ministers Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, and 127 others for the death of his nephew Sujan, 14. Sujan, the son of Belal Hossain from Beramara village in Noakhali’s Sadar Thana, was a student at Al Jamirul Hayat Madrasa in the city’s Chandgaon area. He was fatally shot in the Muradpur area on July 18.
The second case was filed by Jamal Uddin at Doublemooring police station, accusing 225 individuals, including Dr. Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, for the killing of his elder brother Alam, a private service holder, on August 5.
