Elections Must Be Legitimate to Have Meaning: CA

In a recent interview with Channel News Asia during an official visit to Malaysia, Dr. Yunus said, “If an election is not legitimate, then there is no point in organizing it. I am committed to ensuring that the upcoming election is credible, transparent, and acceptable to all.”

He further stated, “My responsibility is to oversee a clean, fair, and inclusive election. We are making progress toward that goal. However, significant reforms are necessary, as the existing political system has been marred by manipulation and abuse.”

Dr. Yunus also addressed the issue of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He revealed that during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he raised concerns about Hasina. “I requested Modi to keep Hasina quiet while she is in India. He responded that social media is beyond their control. I told him we will not go to war to bring her back. He can keep her there, but legal proceedings against her in Bangladesh will continue.”

He warned that Hasina should not be given any opportunity to destabilize Bangladesh, acknowledging that she still has considerable support within the country.

Speaking about foreign relations, Dr. Yunus stressed the importance of maintaining strong regional ties. “We aim to have good relationships with all our neighbors, including Pakistan, China, and India. We’ve never said otherwise. If India wants to invest in Bangladesh, they are welcome—just like anyone else. It’s about seizing opportunities.”

He added, “It’s not just China that has access to investment opportunities. We are open to including Nepal and Bhutan in our economic zones. Even India’s Seven Sisters region can be part of this shared economic vision. Through the Bay of Bengal, we can all benefit together.”