Bangladesh interim govt committed to holding free and fair elections: Yunus

PTI, Dhaka, Aug 17 2024 : The caretaker government in Bangladesh is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an environment in which "free, fair and participatory elections" can be held, its head Mohammad Yunus assured the international community on Saturday.

Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government, said while addressing the third Voice of Global South Summit which was hosted by India in a virtual format.

"You all are aware that Bangladesh witnessed a Second Revolution' on 5th August 2024, through a mass uprising spearheaded by our valiant students and joined by the masses," the 84-year-old Nobel laureate said, referring to the political turmoil in his country and the resignation of prime minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.

Noting that the current interim government led by him was sworn in on August 8, Yunus said, "Our government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an environment in which free, fair and participatory elections can be held."

Yunus assumed charge of the interim government amid ongoing violence and vandalism, including against the minorities.

"Our task is now to carry out vital reforms in our electoral system, judiciary, local government, media, economy and education," Yunus said at the summit being attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I invite you to visit Dhaka soon. Otherwise, you may miss something important. Much of Dhaka has turned into the graffiti capital of the world. Young students and children aged as young as 12-13 have been painting the walls of this 400-year-old city with images of a New Democratic environment- friendly Bangladesh," he said.

"There is no central planning or guidance for that. No budget support from anybody. It is just an outpouring of their emotions and commitment to the goals of the Second Revolution," the noted economist, said.

"Bangladesh went to polls in January this year, and 76-year-old Hasina was reelected as the Prime Minister in a controversial election boycotted by the main Opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by former Prime Minister Khalida Zia. Yunus assumed charge of the interim government amid ongoing violence and vandalism, including against the Hindus and other minorities. 

The student-led protests demanding reforms in government job quotas evolved into a government-toppling movement in early August. 

Yunus further said: "We must place the youth and students, who constitute a significant portion of the Global South’s population, at the heart of our strategies. Two-thirds of our population are youth. They are the most powerful segment of society. They are different. They are committed to creating a new world. They are capable. They are technologically far ahead of the previous generation..." 

Yunus also emphasized redesigning the financial system to make sure that wealth is shared by all. "It should not be a one-way path for wealth. We must ensure financial services for all people, particularly women and youth. We can learn from each other how this can be done successfully," the Chief Advisor said. 

He also mentioned 'The Bengali language movement' in 1952.