Yunus Warns CNA: Without justice and reforms, elections risk repeating past failures
He says their pledge during the mass uprising centered on three priorities: reform, justice, and elections.
Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has warned that elections held without justice and reforms would only revive Bangladesh’s old problems.
Speaking to Singapore-based CNA in an interview with journalist Loke Sue on Wednesday, Yunus reflected on his year in office and the goals of the interim government.
CNA: It has been a year since you became Chief Adviser of the interim government. At that time, you set four specific goals. Have you achieved them?
Dr. Yunus: We’re making progress. This is not something that can be completed overnight, but we’re moving toward our targets. One of the main goals was reform—because the political, electoral, and other systems we inherited were completely fraudulent. They had been abused to sustain a fascist regime that destroyed Bangladesh’s economy and social fabric. When we took over, it felt like inheriting a country hit by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake—everything was in ruins.
CNA: Will you hold elections only after reforms, restoring law and order, and ensuring accountability?
Dr. Yunus: Yes. During the mass uprising, we promised the nation three things—reform, justice, and elections—in that order.
CNA: What kind of election are you working toward?
Dr. Yunus: If we rush into elections without first ensuring reforms and justice, power will fall back into the same old hands, and we’ll be right back where we started.
CNA: You have called the previous government a fascist regime.
Dr. Yunus: Absolutely—because it never upheld the rule of law.
CNA: When the former Prime Minister left the country, you called her a monster.
Dr. Yunus: If there had been a stronger word, I would have used it. She ordered people to be killed at close range on the streets.
CNA: You wanted India to stop airing Sheikh Hasina’s messages…
Dr. Yunus: Her fate should be decided through justice. She must not be allowed to destabilize Bangladesh.
CNA: You’ve often said Bangladesh and India are deeply connected.
Dr. Yunus: Yes, I’ve repeated that many times.
CNA: Has Bangladesh fallen behind China and Pakistan in relations with India?
Dr. Yunus: We maintain good relations. Pakistan and China also want strong ties with India. We’ve never opposed that. In fact, we could build a shared economic zone with Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s northeastern states. Through the Bay of Bengal, we could all benefit together.
CNA: Have your ambitions changed over the year?
Dr. Yunus: When I was first asked to form a government, I was abroad. I knew what was happening but declined at first. On the third day, the students pleaded with me, saying, “So much blood has been shed, so many sacrifices have been made, and you’re far away living comfortably. We need you, and you’re saying no!” Their words moved me, and I agreed.
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