Interim government Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has called upon the nation for its support to build a new Bangladesh, emphasizing that the government will seize the opportunity to create a new country—one that was won through the sacrifices of students who gave their lives during a mass uprising that led to the fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime.
“We must ensure that we do not miss this chance to build a new Bangladesh due to our differences. If we lose this opportunity now, we will be defeated as a nation. To the martyrs, the injured and the living students, we pledge that we will not let this achievement go to waste,” Dr Yunus said during his address to the nation on Sunday evening.
Regarding the next general election, Nobel laureate Dr Yunus said the timing of the election was a political decision that must be determined through political discussions.
The interim government, led by Yunus, officially began its work on August 8. Addressing the matter of his government’s tenure, Yunus said the people would decide when it left.
“We were initially invited by the students… The general populace supported our appointment. We will continually remind everyone that our departure will occur when they say so.”
On the topic of elections, the chief adviser added that the Election Commission would be reformed as part of the government’s broader reforms.
Yunus also urged the public to offer suggestions on the tasks the interim government should focus on during its tenure. “Through such discussions, we will gain direction. However, the final decision is a political one, and political decisions will come from political discussions. Without this guidance, we cannot advance firmly in negotiations with donor agencies and international organizations. I assure you that we will not seek an extension from our side.”
In his 25-minute address, he outlined his government’s sector-wise action plan to rebuild a respected and prosperous Bangladesh.
This was his second speech to the nation since assuming the role of chief adviser. Unlike his brief, introductory first speech, this address provided more detailed insights into the country’s sector-wise conditions.
He also condemned the previous dictatorial regime for destroying the nation’s systems and embedding corruption across all sectors.
Dr Yunus appealed to the public to exercise patience as the government addressed significant challenges gradually, rather than expecting immediate solutions. He cautioned against the impulse to demand instant resolutions, which could endanger individuals, strain institutions and lead to premature judgments before legal cases were resolved.
"In times of great difficulty, it is crucial to be patient," said Dr Yunus, whose administration has faced protests almost daily and numerous demands from various professionals across Dhaka since it took office.
On the flood situation, the chief adviser assured the nation that all necessary measures had been implemented to restore normalcy in Bangladesh's flood-affected regions. He also talked about unity saying: “We are one family. We have one goal.”
Yunus emphasized the need for both domestic and regional cooperation to effectively address such crises in the future.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to meeting the aspirations of the youth and addressing ongoing challenges. He urged the nation to fully support these efforts, focusing on long-term solutions rather than immediate fixes or vigilante actions.
During his speech, the Nobel laureate also announced plans to establish a memorial foundation for the victims of the July mass killings.
Referring to the entire nation as a family, Dr Yunus expressed his commitment to building a Bangladesh where the human rights of every citizen were fully protected. “Our goal is unified: a liberal, democratic, non-discriminatory and non-sectarian Bangladesh.”
“Local government institutions will be strengthened to consolidate democracy and ensure the decentralization of power,” the chief adviser pledged, vowing to establish an accountable political system to combat corruption, looting and genocide.
Yunus assured that a free, fair and participatory election would be held after necessary reforms were completed in the administration, judiciary, Election Commission, law and order, and information systems to ensure the success of the student uprising.
“We have initiated steps to ensure good governance in the banking sector, which has become an industry rife with looting and corruption. Skilled professionals are being recruited, and efforts are underway to restore order in the banking sector, create a conducive business environment and control the prices of daily necessities to ease the lives of the people.”
He also announced the formation of a banking commission for long-term reforms in the sector and vowed to use all his strength to make the country free of bribery, seeking the cooperation of the public in this endeavour.
The current government had taken a firm stance against corruption, Yunus said, adding that all advisers would publish their asset details, and this would be made mandatory for all government officials.
He also highlighted the importance of showing respect and dignity to Bangladeshi workers and expatriates, urging those abroad to send their earnings back home through official channels, as this was crucial for overcoming the country’s economic crisis.
Noting that various states and the United Nations had expressed support for the government’s journey, Yunus said: “We will maintain friendly relations with all nations. Our foreign policy will be based on mutual trust, confidence and cooperation. We respect all international laws, including those concerning human rights.”
Yunus also discussed the establishment of a police commission aimed at creating a public-oriented, non-partisan and accountable law enforcement structure. He acknowledged that the reputation of forces such as the army, police, BGB and RAB had been tarnished by their involvement in enforced disappearances and torture.
“We intend to identify and punish the criminals responsible. A list is being prepared to ensure that no member of any patriotic force dares to engage in killings, disappearances or torture at the behest of anyone in the future,” he added.
Highlighting the agricultural sector, Yunus emphasized that in an agriculture-dependent Bangladesh, farmers' interests must be protected, and they should receive fair prices for their produce.
Addressing the health sector, he acknowledged it as one of the most corrupt sectors in the country. To ensure adequate healthcare for the people, necessary reforms would be made, and all involved would be held accountable, he said.
Dr Yunus noted that the current generation was much more aware and was leading change, not just observing it globally. “Their vision for development is sustainable and environmentally friendly. True development does not destroy nature,” he said.
He added that GDP alone could not measure a country’s development. “Development that destroys and pollutes rivers, canals, mountains, forests, soil and air is not sustainable in the long term,” Dr Yunus said.
“Our government stands with environmentalists against fossil fuels. Reducing carbon emissions to zero is the only way to prevent climate change and leave a healthy world for future generations. Our government will prioritize environmental and climate protection, involving the youth in this vital mission,” Dr Yunus added.