In moments of national crisis, history often calls on individuals not seeking power, but compelled by duty. Such was the case when Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate and social visionary, assumed leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government in August 2024, under the most extraordinary circumstances.
Bangladesh had reached a breaking point. Years of institutional decay culminated in a complete collapse of governance. Parliament had become defunct, financial institutions were hollowed out, the judiciary compromised, and constitutional bodies like the election commission and Anti-Corruption Commission rendered dysfunctional. The civil and military administrations were no longer trusted by the public. This institutional paralysis was aggravated when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country, leaving behind a vacuum filled with uncertainty and fear.
Rather than supporting the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people, India launched a brazen disinformation campaign, providing safe haven to Hasina and her criminal entourage while attempting to smear the legitimacy of Bangladesh’s internal political reset.
Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s external intelligence agency, coordinated efforts to destabilize the new order through false narratives and covert subversion. These attempts extended even to the White House, as Donald Trump and other world leaders were briefed on a distorted version of Bangladesh’s reality.
The smear campaign ultimately failed -- for India’s own lack of credibility, including the global recognition of the moral authority and international stature of Yunus, and the broad popular support behind the national transition.
Making a case for Yunus
Professor Yunus is not a career politician. He is one of the world’s most respected public figures -- admired globally for pioneering microcredit and social business through the Grameen Bank. His work lifted millions out of poverty and earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, as well as the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, and numerous accolades from around the world. His leadership gives Bangladesh renewed credibility at a time when moral and institutional legitimacy are critical.
I have known Professor Yunus personally for over four decades. During my tenure as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Japan (2006–2010), I had the privilege of engaging with him during his several visits to Tokyo. I witnessed firsthand how Japan’s most senior political, business, and academic leaders were spellbound by his visionary thinking and humility. Over the years, we have shared meaningful conversations -- both on national challenges and personal reflections. He has never been motivated by political ambition. His commitment has always been to justice, dignity, and the well-being of the people of Bangladesh.
Why the skepticism towards Yunus misses the mark
It is unfortunate -- indeed tragic -- that some quarters in our society continue to view him with suspicion or malice. These efforts to vilify a man of global repute, often based on misinformation or political fear, run counter to our national interest. He has taken no personal benefit from his position, nor shown any inclination toward clinging to power. On the contrary, he has publicly and unequivocally pledged that he will step down the day a credible election is held and a democratically elected government takes over.
Professor Yunus has not only stabilized the country internally -- restoring confidence in public institutions and beginning economic reforms -- but also in the spirit of such reconciliatory overtures, he had held several face to face meetings with the political forces previously at odds.
During his recent visit to London, he met privately with the exiled Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman. In Bangladesh, this meeting is being seen as a critical step in restoring democratic order.
Reports suggest that both leaders expressed mutual respect and flexibility, especially concerning the timing of the upcoming election. Professor Yunus reportedly assured the BNP leadership that there are no impediments to the return of Tarique Rahman, and that he may come back to Bangladesh whenever he chooses. This gesture has injected fresh optimism into the political atmosphere. For the first time in decades, there is a sense that Bangladesh may be entering an era of reconciliation rather than confrontation.
This is the political moment we have long hoped for.
Safeguarding the foundations of our democracy
Let us not forget: Transitions of this nature are rare and delicate. They require not only vision from the top but also cooperation from the political class and trust from the public. It is the moral duty of all political stakeholders -- regardless of ideology -- to support this peaceful transition and work with Professor Yunus in the greater interest of the nation. Political competition will soon resume through elections, as it should. But now is the time to safeguard the foundations of our democracy -- not undermine them for short-term advantage.
Let us, then, set aside our grievances. Let us stop the cycle of vilification and blame. Let us bury the hatchets and work together with Professor Yunus to stabilize and uplift our nation. The world is watching. Let us show that Bangladesh, when tested, can unite. That we can set an example for others -- not of endless strife, but of collective wisdom and resolve.
The future of Bangladesh is not a gift. It is a responsibility. Let us rise to it.
Ashraf ud Doula is a former Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan and a freedom fighter.
