National
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 Kazipara and Mirpur-10 metro stations, which have been closed, are expected to reopen by the end of September, though the exact date has not yet been confirmed. Mohammad Abdur Rauf, Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), told TBS that a technical team has been tasked with resolving the issues at the stations.
“We are working to reopen the two stations within this month, but I cannot give a specific launch date yet. We will hold a meeting with the technical team and other stakeholders soon to review the progress. A decision is likely on 18 September,” Rauf said.
He noted that Kazipara station is likely to open earlier due to less severe damage, while Mirpur-10 may face delays as it requires machinery that needs to be imported.
Additionally, Rauf mentioned plans to begin metro rail operations on Fridays starting from 20 September, with efforts being made to meet this timeline.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has begun an operation to remove battery-run rickshaws from the streets of Dhaka in an effort to reduce traffic congestion.
Sergeant Mohammad Farhad of DMP’s Ramna Traffic Division explained that despite a ban on main roads, battery-operated rickshaws have continued to operate, causing significant traffic jams over the past few days.
“We are initially requesting drivers not to use the main roads. If they don’t follow our instructions, we will seize the vehicles,” Farhad said.
The move has been well-received by local residents and pedestrians. Tahmina Trisha, a resident of Dhanmondi, expressed her support, saying, “The main roads should be free of battery-driven rickshaws. We’re grateful to the police for finally taking action.”
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, has announced the formation of six commissions as an initial step toward reforms, including constitutional amendments. These commissions are expected to begin operations on 1 October and complete their work within three months.
In an address to the nation on Wednesday evening (11 September) from the Chief Adviser’s Office, Yunus outlined the government’s reform agenda. This is his second national address since taking office on 8 August.
Yunus explained that the formation of the six commissions is the first step in a broader plan for constitutional reform. He stated that the commissions would be led by six distinguished citizens, selected based on their expertise. These commissions will tackle various reform areas, and more will be established in the future.
Emphasizing the importance of constitutional reforms for free and fair elections, Yunus stated, “We believe that imposing majority rule through elections, resulting in misgovernance or consolidating all power into the hands of one person, family, or group, is unacceptable. To prevent this, we are considering reforms to institutions like the Election Commission and others involved in the election process. Reforming the police administration, civil service, judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Commission is essential for ensuring fair and transparent elections. These reforms will also contribute to establishing a state system based on public ownership, accountability, and welfare.”
Yunus announced the names of the six commission heads:
- Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar will lead the Election System Reform Commission.
- Sarfaraz Chowdhury will head the Police Administration Reform Commission.
- Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman will lead the Judiciary Reform Commission.
- Dr. Iftekharuzzaman will lead the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission.
- Abdul Muid Chowdhury will head the Public Administration Reform Commission.
- Dr. Shahdeen Malik will lead the Constitutional Reform Commission.
The Chief Adviser mentioned that the other members of these commissions would be determined in consultation with the heads. Additionally, representatives from the advisory council, students, workers, social movements, civil society, and political parties will participate in the commissions’ discussions.
Yunus expressed hope that the commissions would be fully operational by 1 October and complete their work within three months. Based on the commissions’ reports, the government plans to organize consultations with major political parties. A broad consultation, lasting three to seven days, involving students, civil society, political party representatives, and the government will follow. This consultation will finalize the reform framework and outline its implementation strategy.
Yunus concluded by stating that this initiative will unify the nation, fulfilling the demands of the July uprising and strengthening the country with renewed hope and optimism.
