'One family, one goal': Chief Adviser Yunus urges nation to unite amid flood crisis

The government has adopted all measures to ensure fast return to a life of normalcy for flood victims, Chief Adviser Dr Yunus said today (25 August).

"We have ensured all measures for the fast recovery of flood victims through the government and private institutions," he said addressing the nation highling the recent flood across the country which resulted in several deaths, injuries and losses.

"We have started discussions regarding prevention of flood situations in future with our neighbouring countries," he added.

"We are one family. We have one goal," Prof Yunus also said, adding, "We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our youth, and we are ready to take on this challenge."

The address comes against the backdrop of heavy floods which have inundated large parts of the country. 

Till date, around 51 lakh people have been marooned. The death toll has reached 18, with the number expected to exceed. 

Dr Yunus further said, "The country, which was achieved through the sacrifice of so many after the Liberation War, was destroyed due to fascism and dictatorship.

"Corruption has entered every sphere of the countries' institutions."

He assured a fair investigation into the violence and tragic events surrounding the recent protests of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement.

"This process of investigation will start this week. The first team has already arrived," he said.

Regarding those injured during the violence, the chief adviser said the government will bear the full cost of their treatment under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and with the help of Advisers Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud.

Addressing concerns as to when the elections would take place, he said, "That is a political decision, not solely ours."

"Dear countrymen, you have noticed that we have had to deal with lawlessness since taking responsibility. With your cooperation and support, all the law enforcement agencies of the country have joined the work. We have already started to take corrective measures. It takes time to keep its momentum and at the same time take proper decisions following specific procedures. I request everyone to be patient. It is one of our objectives that public institutions regain public trust."

Initiatives have been taken to ensure good governance in the banking sector which has become an arena of looting and corruption, Dr Yunus said.

"Skilled manpower is being recruited in this sector. We have initiated initiatives to bring order and discipline in the banking sector to create a supportive environment for business and ease people's lives."

Bank commission will be constituted for long term reforms in the banking sector, he said, adding that a draft will be drawn up on the country's current financial state and it will be made public soon. 

"Quick steps are being taken to resolve the extreme chaos in the stock market, transport sector, etc."

Steps have been initiated to make the judiciary free from corruption and political party influence, he said.

"Justice will be ensured for all the heinous crimes of the fascist government, such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, murders, kidnappings, etc. All those involved in these crimes will be prosecuted."

Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Dr Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government on 8 August, three days after Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign and flee to neighbouring India. 

In the weeks that followed, Yunus has spoken about the amount of work that has to be done, including bringing major reforms to a country plagued by corruption. 

Since his tenure began, a number of top officials of the previous government have been arrested over corruption and other charges.