DHAKA: Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has emphasized the necessity of electoral reforms before scheduling elections, refusing to provide a specific timeframe for the polls. Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was appointed as the country’s “chief advisor” following the student-led uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August.
Yunus, 84, known for his microfinance initiatives, is heading a temporary administration tasked with restoring democratic institutions in what he described as an “extremely tough” challenge. In an interview with Prothom Alo newspaper, Yunus stressed the importance of reforms, stating, “Reforms are pivotal. If you say, hold the election, we are ready to hold the election. But it would be wrong to hold the election first.”
Hasina’s 15-year rule was marred by widespread human rights abuses, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings of political opponents. A preliminary United Nations report documented over 600 deaths in the weeks leading to her ouster, a figure likely underestimated. Hasina’s government faced accusations of politicizing the judiciary and civil service and conducting unfair elections to maintain its power.
Yunus described inheriting a “completely broken down” public administration system, necessitating comprehensive reforms to prevent a return to autocratic rule. “Reforms mean we will not allow a repetition of what happened in the past,” he asserted.
Responding to criticisms regarding the arrests of numerous politicians, senior police officers, and Hasina loyalists on murder charges post-ouster, Yunus dismissed fears of politicized trials. He assured that any criminal trials against those arrested would remain free from government interference. “Once the judicial system is reformed, then the issues will come forward, about who will be placed on trial, how justice will be carried out,” he said.
Yunus also addressed concerns over media freedom. Since Hasina’s downfall, at least 25 journalists, perceived as her government’s supporters, have been arrested for alleged violence against protesters. Reporters Without Borders condemned these arrests as “systematic judicial harassment.” However, Yunus insisted he supports press freedom. “Write as you please,” he urged. “Criticise. Unless you write, how will we know what is happening or not happening?”
Yunus’ administration aims to stabilize the nation and restore democratic processes without overextending its mandate, emphasizing that his caretaker government does not intend to prolong its stay.
