Dr Yunus urges youth to lead Bangladesh, condemns attacks on minorities

Prof Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser to the interim government, on Saturday called on the youth of Bangladesh to take charge of the nation's future, urging them to harness their potential and ensure the country's progress.

Speaking during a session with students at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, he emphasised the pivotal role young people play in shaping the nation.

"This Rangpur, this Bangladesh, is now in your hands. You have the power to take it wherever you want. This isn't a matter of research—it's a power within you," Yunus told the students, stressing the importance of their leadership.

The chief adviser said, "The students and youth of Bangladesh have astonished the whole world." He referred to their recent achievements as the country's "second victory," urging them to ensure that this triumph is not lost. 

"Only you can do it. None of us, the older generation, can," he said, calling for the older generation to step aside and make way for the youth.

Yunus, globally revered as the banker to the poor, spoke about the necessity of having a vision to accomplish any task. 

"If there is no dream, there will be chaos. But if you dream and pursue it, what once seemed impossible will be done. The power to make the impossible possible lies within you." 

No to communal attacks 

Addressing recent reports of attacks on minority communities, the chief adviser unequivocally condemned these acts, calling them "heinous." 

He called on the youth, saying, "Are they not the people of this country? You have been able to save the country; can't you save some families?" He urged the students to protect all Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families from harm.

"You must say—no one can harm them. They are my brothers; we fought together, and we will stay together," he asserted, underscoring the need for national unity.

Yunus said, "There is no more beautiful family than this. There are many countries in the world, but there is no such beautiful family," he said, calling on the youth to preserve such unity.

Yunus meets family members of Abu Sayed

Meanwhile, the chief adviser, after meeting family members of Abu Sayed, who was shot dead in police firing during the quota reform protest on 16 July, in Rangpur, said it is the responsibility of all to build the new Bangladesh.

He said that all have to come forward to build the new Bangladesh remembering the supreme sacrifice of Abu Sayed and others.

"Abu Sayed is the son of all families in Bangladesh," he said.

Yunus said that students will remember Abu Sayed and will pledge to be like him. "They will say, I will also fight for justice like Abu Sayed.".

He also said that Abu Sayed is now in every house in the country. The martyr belongs to everyone, irrespective of their religion and background, he said.

He further urged the youth never to back down, acknowledging that the older generation had failed to guide the nation where it needed to go. "We have failed. Where you were supposed to go, we could not take you there."

He also warned the students not to let their efforts be sabotaged by those seeking to undermine their progress. "There are many standing by to make your efforts futile. Don't fail this time," he cautioned.

Let there be no anarchy 

In a firm commitment to national reform, the chief adviser vowed to do whatever is necessary to cleanse the country of its ills. "We will clean everything. We have no relief until we clean everything," he declared.

He urged all to remain vigilant so that there is no anarchy. He said that protecting all irrespective of their religion is the responsibility of all. "We have to ensure this, and take a stand like Abu Sayed."

Yunus, 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner, requested all not to create division among the people of Bangladesh.

He also said that Bangladesh is now united. "This Bangladesh is the Bangladesh Abu Sayed wanted, there is no discrimination in this Bangladesh. My request to you all is to protect everyone, let there be no anarchy out there."