People will decide the tenure of interim govt’s rule: Dr Yunus

Infographic: TBS

Chief Adviser to the interim government Muhammad Yunus said his administration will remain in power for as long as the people of Bangladesh want.

In an address to the nation on Sunday (25 August) evening, he also clarified that the timing of elections is a political decision.

Yunus also said the government has adopted all measures to ensure a fast return to a life of normalcy for flood victims.

Additionally, he committed to transforming Bangladesh into a liberal democratic, equitable, and secular state through reforms in government institutions and amendments to existing laws.

He also pledged to combat corruption, promote good governance through administrative reforms, overhaul the financial sector, and ensure equality for all citizens by developing the agriculture, health, and education sectors.

Following the ouster of the Hasina-led government on 5 August due to a mass uprising, the interim government was formed with the support of the protesters. Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the chief adviser of the interim government on 8 August.

This marks his second address to the nation since assuming the role of chief adviser.

Regarding the tenure of the interim government, he said, "Everyone is eager to know when the interim government will step down. The decision lies solely in your [people's] hands. When will you release us from our duties? We are not meant to govern the country. Our true passions lie in our respective professions."

"The timing of the elections is a political decision, not ours. It is up to the people to decide when we should step down. We will leave when they direct us to do so," he said during the televised speech.

The chief adviser said they will also reform the Election Commission as part of the broader reforms. "We will ensure that the commission is prepared for an ideal election at any time."

"A free, fair and participatory election will be held after necessary reforms  to administration, judiciary, the Election Commission, electoral system, law and order and free flow of information to give the student-people a  successful culmination," he said while addressing the nation at 7.30pm.

He assured that all necessary measures are being taken at both government and private levels to restore normalcy for the flood victims.

"We have begun discussions with our internal partners and neighboring countries to prevent all types of floods in the future," he said.

At the beginning of the speech, the chief adviser paid tribute to all who lost their lives during the student-led mass uprising against fascism in July-August and prayed that their souls rest in peace.

He also remembered those who died due to the ongoing floods, those who have fallen ill, and those living in misery.

'Will ensure fair investigation into violence'

He 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.

'Initiatives taken to ensure good governance in banking sector'

Muhammad Yunus stated that the government has initiated various reforms. "Citizens must now engage in discussions about the minimum tasks this government should accomplish and the areas where work needs to be done properly."

"Without this direction, the government cannot proceed effectively in negotiations with other governments, donors and international economic institutions," said the chief adviser.

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 steps to bring order in the banking sector to create a supportive environment for business and ease people's lives."

'Awami League destroyed all institutions'

Referring to the corruption of the Awami League government, he said, "The previous government has destroyed every institution in the country, turning it into a place where even a peon of the dictator amassed wealth of Tk400 crore."

He continued, "The education sector has been crippled, there has been rampant looting in the banking and stock market sectors, world records in project expenditure, unchecked wealth smuggling, and law enforcement agencies have been turned into puppets of their own party. Freedom of speech and human rights have been eroded."

The chief adviser added, "The fascist government undermined the constitutional powers and rights of the people to cling to power. Misrule, corruption, unjust oppression, and a farce of justice have jeopardized public safety."

"People have endured torture, deprivation, and discrimination. Millions, including the new generation, have been denied their voting rights over the years," 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," he added.

'Have patience; difficult to overcome challenges overnight'

Professor Muhammad Yunus urged the people to have patience to see mountain-like challenges are addressed gradually instead of putting force to address everything right now, reports UNB.

"I'll just say, you have to be patient. It is difficult to overcome mountain-like challenges overnight," he said. 

He urged the people to come out of the tendency of forcing all claims to be met now, putting individuals at risk by entering in institutions, putting pressure to accept cases and the tendency of doing some kind of trial in advance by attacking people while taking to the courts.

Professor Yunus said, "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."

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

During his speech, the Nobel Peace Laureate also revealed plans to establish a 'July Mass Killing Memorial Foundation'.