Prof Yunus Vows Credible, Transparent Election in Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in an interview.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to delivering a credible national election, stressing that a vote without legitimacy serves no purpose.

“My job is to ensure an acceptable, clean, and fair election takes place,” he said during a recent official visit to Malaysia.

The interim government is implementing wide-ranging reforms deemed essential for free and fair elections scheduled for next February, the country’s first since a year of political unrest and violent protests.

Prof Yunus, tasked with guiding the reforms, pledged to restore democracy and ensure the election is credible.

“There were many aspects of the political system that were rigged, misused, and abused,” he said, adding that the government is approaching its reform targets.

The unrest began with student-led protests demanding the resignation of long-serving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, escalating into deadly clashes with security forces and supporters of her Awami League party.

Hasina, currently in India, is facing trial in absentia, accused of ordering a crackdown that killed over 1,000 people. Bangladesh has urged India to prevent her from destabilising the country through online messages to her supporters.

Prof Yunus said, “We are not trying to get Hasina out of India. Our trial will continue, but she should not be allowed to undermine Bangladesh. She still has followers here who could repeat past disruptions.”

Under Hasina, Bangladesh maintained close strategic and economic ties with India, but the interim government is recalibrating regional alliances, strengthening economic relations with China and Pakistan while maintaining an open stance toward India.

Prof Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s investment potential, stating, “This is about economic opportunity. We welcome anyone interested in investing, whether China, India, or others. It’s a level playing field.”

The 85-year-old Nobel laureate said he initially hesitated to take office, but the sacrifices of student leaders compelled him to accept the role.

He emphasized that he does not intend to remain in government after the elections and hopes his leadership will leave a lasting legacy.

“I hope from now on Bangladesh stays on the right track and will not be derailed again,” he said.