Professor Mohammad Yunus is widely recognized for his groundbreaking microfinance initiative known as "social business," which has lifted millions out of extreme poverty. In 2006, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with Grameen Bank, for this remarkable contribution.
Mohammad Yunus was deeply respected both within Bangladesh and internationally. However, in 2007, under pressure from military leader Moeen U Ahmed, he ventured into Bangladeshi politics as part of the "Minus Two" theory. Despite this, he soon withdrew from politics for several reasons, including his unpreparedness for the fragmented political landscape in Bangladesh and his commitment to continuing his work in the field of social business.
Throughout his life, Mohammad Yunus received numerous recognitions and awards for his contributions. Unfortunately, he also faced unjust judicial harassment from the administration of Sheikh Hasina. These charges were politically motivated and baseless, noticeable since Yunus was not even a political opponent of Sheikh Hasina. The motivation behind this harassment could have been due to his brief involvement in the political arena or mere arrogance. However, Yunus did not flee the country to escape these challenges. Even after being elected as the Chief Advisor of the interim government in 2024, he chose not to dismiss the cases against him, stating that he would fight them because he was not guilty.
After decades marked by violence, corruption, and a lack of accountability -- not just since 2014 but stretching back to the assassination of Bangladesh's founding father -- Bangabandhu, in 1975, Bangladeshis are yearning for a better future. It would be absurd to suggest that the lack of accountability began only 16 years ago; in reality, it has been a persistent issue across all political parties over many years.
In Bangladesh accountability has been consistently lacking. The difference lies in the fact that in 1991, we had the chance to elect our leaders, but by 2014, that choice was diminished. Beyond infrastructure development under the Awami League's rule, much has remained the same. In most cases, there has been a glaring absence of true accountability, particularly in key sectors. The people of Bangladesh have suffered repeatedly, yearning for change that never materialised. Instead of reforming the system to enhance accountability, elections have merely served to change leaders under the guise of democracy.
A simple movement to allocate quotas on merit evolved into a mass movement that ousted a leader once seen as a beacon of democracy. It was not possible because people were eager to join the government service commission based on merit; rather, it was an expression of discontentment among those who united under the banner of the “quota” system. Now, the people's hopes are high, they seek justice for those who were killed, and they desire accountability and reform within the system.
In response, the people, led by students, have elected Mohammad Yunus to lead the interim government. His mission is not only to organize an election but also to reform the entire system, embedding accountability and justice. Despite the challenges faced, it is crucial to reform the judicial system to ensure justice is served. Relying on the UN or the ICC for justice would neither be respectful nor appropriate. If our own system isn’t reformed to provide justice for those who have been killed, what will the outcome be? Would we resort to the ICC every time we seek justice? In addition to state reform, we must prioritize development initiatives, as these should not be delayed.
Moreover, it is imperative that we seek change in every sector, not just the judicial system, which requires mature leadership. Yunus is an ideal choice for this role, but he must remain open-minded and ensure that everyone is granted equal constitutional rights. It would be equally unacceptable if the interim government were to deny the Awami League participation in the election by violating their constitutional rights, as this would only perpetuate the fragmented politics that Yunus sought to avoid in 2007.
A simple movement to allocate quotas on merit evolved into a mass movement that ousted a leader once seen as a beacon of democracy
Sheikh Hasina was utterly wrong in her handling of the recent protest that turned brutally violent from mid-July to the start of August. Despite this, it did not tarnish the legacy of Sheikh Hasina’s father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is also regarded as the father of the state of Bangladesh. As a result of the movement, then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled on August 5, leading to widespread violence against Awami League activists, minorities, and other groups. Notably, there was also the desecration and disrespect of portraits and monuments of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other figures associated with the Liberation War.
While it is entirely true that Sheikh Hasina’s government and her supporters have exploited the name of Bangabandhu to gain votes and popularity, it is wrong to blame Bangabandhu for the previous government’s corruption. This is equally inappropriate.
Why must we be so politically shortsighted as to question our history from over 50 years ago? What we are witnessing is a classic uprising against cronyism. We must rebuild the country, reform its power structures, and overhaul the system entirely. However, this cannot be done alone. We must acknowledge everyone's contributions equally and justly. The curse of historical denial must end, and people should be made aware of this. In the US, no one blames Alvan E Bovay for the failures of the Republican Party, nor Abraham Lincoln for the failures of the modern US state.
This is perhaps the greatest and most opportune time to rebuild the country with a spirit of progress and without hatred. The Yunus-led interim government should focus on reforming our mindset rather than solely changing the system, as this is one of the vital elements of a peaceful and progressive environment for development and stability.
Furthermore, it would encourage AL supporters to remain calm if the Yunus-led interim government did not abolish August 15 as a national day of mourning, which holds great significance. A great demonstration of maturity on the government’s part would be to make a statement or take action to preserve the portraits of Bangabandhu. Although it is true that the interim government may not have the full power to enforce the law, given that they are emerging from a critical period, even the smallest effort could improve circumstances for a better, more prosperous future.
Tasin Mahdi, a devoted knowledge seeker based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, exhibits a profound commitment to the betterment of his home nation and a keen interest in international policy. His resolute dedication to comprehending and influencing domestic and global affairs underscores his potential as a significant contributor to shaping the future of his state and impacting international policy.
