Bangladesh Defense
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People to decide on polls, with or without reforms: Prof Yunus
In an interview with Al Jazeera, the chief adviser gives his take on key issues including the economy, ties with India, the US, Sheikh Hasina's extradition, minority rights and more
People to decide on polls, with or without reforms: Prof Yunus
In an interview with Al Jazeera, the chief adviser gives his take on key issues including the economy, ties with India, the US, Sheikh Hasina's extradition, minority rights and more.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, in an interview with Al Jazeera, said his interim government is focusing on reforms of state institutions, but would announce elections anytime if people want it, with or without reforms.
Asked about when the election can take place, he said he has no definite answer to that.
Prof Yunus said his government simultaneously pushing reforms and preparing for an election. He said the student-led mass uprising has presented his government with the opportunity that no government in Bangladesh had: the mandate to change the ineffective old ways for a "New Bangladesh".
"New Bangladesh is not going to come through just holding an election. Holding an election is a repetition of the old ways of doing things in politics …. So we want to get rid of those things and that's what the population of the whole country wants. Something new, something different than the old. So that needs many things," he said referring to the reform initiatives his government has taken to bring about the changes in the key sectors like the judiciary, election commission, and even in the constitution.
However, he said the "election train" has already begun its journey and people will have the final say when the election will be held.
"And it's up to the people, up to the political parties to decide which way to go. …. And we'll keep asking the people of Bangladesh -- would you like to go to the election now or after these reforms are done?" he added.
"So it's all a question of what people want, the political parties want. If political parties say forget about it, give the election, we'll do it," the CA said, adding that his government "will not impose anything on the people".
Asked about how long the interim government can last, Prof Yunus said he has no idea about it either.
He said every government is interim as all have a certain tenure.
"The regular government lasts for 5 years. The new constitution [after reforms] may go for four years probably because people may want it. So, it should be under four years, that's for sure. It may be less," he said.
Asked if the interim government could stay for four years, Yunus said, "I didn't say that I'll be [here] for 4 years. I'm saying this is the term that maximum one can go. But that's not our intention. Our intention to get it done as quickly as possible."
When asked if he plans to stand for election, Yunus said, "I am not a politician. I enjoy my role, what I am doing at the last stage of my life. I'm not going to change that."
Ties with India and extradition of Sheikh Hasina
Asked about how his government is eyeing to resolve longstanding issues like water and resource sharing with India, Yunus said both countries need to work together to solve those.
"We have to work together … Bangladesh alone cannot solve these problems. We need collaboration, we need cooperation from India because all the sources of rivers are in India or passing through India," he said.
"We need to have a good water management system together. It cannot be done alone and I'm sure it can be done," he added.
Asked about how his administration take on the statements issued by Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister, from India, the chief adviser said those are her attempts to destabilise the country, and India has a role to play here.
"You [India] are hosting her, that's fine. But please make sure that she doesn't create problems for us. Then we have to go back and complain to you that you are hosting something which is bad for us. We should be able to kind of resolve it amicably between India and Bangladesh," he said.
When mentioned that Hasina still claims to be the PM of Bangladesh, Dr Yunus said she can call herself many things but that's not what the reality is.
"Even India says she's an ex-prime minister. So, even her host is not recognising her as anything but an ex-prime minister," he added.
Asked if his government will be pushing for Hasina's extradition, he said, "Yes. Because there's a legal process going on and if she is found guilty, we'll ask for her repatriation."
Minority rights
Prof Yunus also refuted the claims that violence against minorities including Hindus has increased during his tenure. He said the violence that took place during the mass uprising was political, not religious.
He said the violence mostly targeted Awami League supporters and most of the Hindus happen to be their supporters.
"They were angry with the Awami League and those people who were attacked were active in the Awami League," he added.
Asked how he wants to bridge the divide, Prof Yunus said his government will ensure rights to every citizen.
When asked about the statement of US president-elect Donald Trump on the minority rights issues in Bangladesh ahead of the US election, the Nobel peace laureate said the reality on the ground is different.
"This is mostly propaganda … baseless propaganda. It's unfortunate [that] most of the propaganda originates from the Indian side for whatever reason. [They are doing this] maybe to keep this tension alive, probably. But in reality, it doesn't exist," he said, adding that Hindus have celebrated Durga Puja in thousands of puja mandaps without any hassle.
Ties with Trump and US
In the interview with the Qatar-based television network, Prof Yunus said he does not foresee any changes in US policy as Trump is taking office, adding that he has no personal issues with the president-elect or with the Republican Party.
"I had no interaction with president Trump in the past. So I had no problem with him in a personal way. … I have friends in the Democratic Party, I have friends in the republican party. It was the House which voted for Congressional gold medal for me," he said.
"I think the foreign policy of the United States is not something switches back and forth depending on who's the president there, said Prof Yunus.
When the host asked if he thinks the US will take a different stance towards the region after Trump takes power, Prof Yunus said, "I don't think so, absolutely no way."
Allegation of US meddling
Asked about Sheikh Hasina's allegation that the US played a part in her ouster, the chief adviser refuted the claim. He said the family of the ex-PM asked the help of the military to help her flee the country as people were about to invade her official residence.
"So, the Army helped her to … go to India and that's how it happened. It's not somebody instructing somebody, sending some army … it's not like that. [The change came through] this student movement which was joined by the entire population of the country," he added.
The Nobel peace laureate said he was not in the country when the AL government was ousted on August 5. Talking about the uncertainty that prevailed during that time, Prof Yunus said he was invited to head the interim government over a call and by the time he took oath, the country was without a government for three days.
Asked if he was surprised by how the events unfolded including the fleeing of Sheikh Hasina, Prof Yunus said not only him, but everyone was surprised by the sudden developments.
"She was so entrenched; nobody thought she was really [going to] run away," he said, adding that the mobilization against her was massive.
"That was something unheard of, something unplanned, and nobody knew that this would happen. The expectation was [that] something would happen because the whole country was against her. … But it happened."
Accepting the role of chief adviser
Asked how much consideration he gave after receiving the offer of heading the interim government, Yunus said he initially didn't want to get into politics. He said he told them to find somebody else to run the country.
He said he told them to call him a day after rethinking about the proposal
"So they called me the next day. They said we debated and discussed, you should take over. So we are waiting for you and you have to agree," the CA said.
"So, finally I said, look you have given lives for this and suffered so much for this. If you have done so much already, I will forget what I said before and I'll accept your invitation and I'll come back. So I came back," he added.
Bangladesh economy
Asked about Bangladesh's economy, Prof Yunus said he has inherited a "dysfunctional economy".
"Oh, it's terrible; the whole economy is in terrible shape. The previous government has taken so many big projects -- billions of dollars projects. The whole banking system is totally destroyed. Billions of dollars have been transferred from Bangladesh to her [Shekh Hasina] cronies and other people. So, it is in shambles," he said.
However, Yunus said he is optimistic as his government has received "tremendous support" from the world community.
"They very, very warmly supported us and that's what helped us," he said referring to the world organisations and governments. He said those helps have helped his government in putting the banking system back in shape and also in making big payments.
"We already made big payments without touching the reserve," he said, adding that those were made from the "current income".
Asked when people will get the benefits of such actions, he said the effects are already being felt by the people as they can rely on the financial system.
"Inflation is not going wild, our foreign exchange is not disappearing, and it is building up every month. So, the confidence is coming back," he said.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, the chief adviser gives his take on key issues including the economy, ties with India, the US, Sheikh Hasina's extradition, minority rights and more.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, in an interview with Al Jazeera, said his interim government is focusing on reforms of state institutions, but would announce elections anytime if people want it, with or without reforms.
Asked about when the election can take place, he said he has no definite answer to that.
Prof Yunus said his government simultaneously pushing reforms and preparing for an election. He said the student-led mass uprising has presented his government with the opportunity that no government in Bangladesh had: the mandate to change the ineffective old ways for a "New Bangladesh".
"New Bangladesh is not going to come through just holding an election. Holding an election is a repetition of the old ways of doing things in politics …. So we want to get rid of those things and that's what the population of the whole country wants. Something new, something different than the old. So that needs many things," he said referring to the reform initiatives his government has taken to bring about the changes in the key sectors like the judiciary, election commission, and even in the constitution.
However, he said the "election train" has already begun its journey and people will have the final say when the election will be held.
"And it's up to the people, up to the political parties to decide which way to go. …. And we'll keep asking the people of Bangladesh -- would you like to go to the election now or after these reforms are done?" he added.
"So it's all a question of what people want, the political parties want. If political parties say forget about it, give the election, we'll do it," the CA said, adding that his government "will not impose anything on the people".
Asked about how long the interim government can last, Prof Yunus said he has no idea about it either.
He said every government is interim as all have a certain tenure.
"The regular government lasts for 5 years. The new constitution [after reforms] may go for four years probably because people may want it. So, it should be under four years, that's for sure. It may be less," he said.
Asked if the interim government could stay for four years, Yunus said, "I didn't say that I'll be [here] for 4 years. I'm saying this is the term that maximum one can go. But that's not our intention. Our intention to get it done as quickly as possible."
When asked if he plans to stand for election, Yunus said, "I am not a politician. I enjoy my role, what I am doing at the last stage of my life. I'm not going to change that."
Ties with India and extradition of Sheikh Hasina
Asked about how his government is eyeing to resolve longstanding issues like water and resource sharing with India, Yunus said both countries need to work together to solve those.
"We have to work together … Bangladesh alone cannot solve these problems. We need collaboration, we need cooperation from India because all the sources of rivers are in India or passing through India," he said.
"We need to have a good water management system together. It cannot be done alone and I'm sure it can be done," he added.
Asked about how his administration take on the statements issued by Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister, from India, the chief adviser said those are her attempts to destabilise the country, and India has a role to play here.
"You [India] are hosting her, that's fine. But please make sure that she doesn't create problems for us. Then we have to go back and complain to you that you are hosting something which is bad for us. We should be able to kind of resolve it amicably between India and Bangladesh," he said.
When mentioned that Hasina still claims to be the PM of Bangladesh, Dr Yunus said she can call herself many things but that's not what the reality is.
"Even India says she's an ex-prime minister. So, even her host is not recognising her as anything but an ex-prime minister," he added.
Asked if his government will be pushing for Hasina's extradition, he said, "Yes. Because there's a legal process going on and if she is found guilty, we'll ask for her repatriation."
Minority rights
Prof Yunus also refuted the claims that violence against minorities including Hindus has increased during his tenure. He said the violence that took place during the mass uprising was political, not religious.
He said the violence mostly targeted Awami League supporters and most of the Hindus happen to be their supporters.
"They were angry with the Awami League and those people who were attacked were active in the Awami League," he added.
Asked how he wants to bridge the divide, Prof Yunus said his government will ensure rights to every citizen.
When asked about the statement of US president-elect Donald Trump on the minority rights issues in Bangladesh ahead of the US election, the Nobel peace laureate said the reality on the ground is different.
"This is mostly propaganda … baseless propaganda. It's unfortunate [that] most of the propaganda originates from the Indian side for whatever reason. [They are doing this] maybe to keep this tension alive, probably. But in reality, it doesn't exist," he said, adding that Hindus have celebrated Durga Puja in thousands of puja mandaps without any hassle.
Ties with Trump and US
In the interview with the Qatar-based television network, Prof Yunus said he does not foresee any changes in US policy as Trump is taking office, adding that he has no personal issues with the president-elect or with the Republican Party.
"I had no interaction with president Trump in the past. So I had no problem with him in a personal way. … I have friends in the Democratic Party, I have friends in the republican party. It was the House which voted for Congressional gold medal for me," he said.
"I think the foreign policy of the United States is not something switches back and forth depending on who's the president there, said Prof Yunus.
When the host asked if he thinks the US will take a different stance towards the region after Trump takes power, Prof Yunus said, "I don't think so, absolutely no way."
Allegation of US meddling
Asked about Sheikh Hasina's allegation that the US played a part in her ouster, the chief adviser refuted the claim. He said the family of the ex-PM asked the help of the military to help her flee the country as people were about to invade her official residence.
"So, the Army helped her to … go to India and that's how it happened. It's not somebody instructing somebody, sending some army … it's not like that. [The change came through] this student movement which was joined by the entire population of the country," he added.
The Nobel peace laureate said he was not in the country when the AL government was ousted on August 5. Talking about the uncertainty that prevailed during that time, Prof Yunus said he was invited to head the interim government over a call and by the time he took oath, the country was without a government for three days.
Asked if he was surprised by how the events unfolded including the fleeing of Sheikh Hasina, Prof Yunus said not only him, but everyone was surprised by the sudden developments.
"She was so entrenched; nobody thought she was really [going to] run away," he said, adding that the mobilization against her was massive.
"That was something unheard of, something unplanned, and nobody knew that this would happen. The expectation was [that] something would happen because the whole country was against her. … But it happened."
Accepting the role of chief adviser
Asked how much consideration he gave after receiving the offer of heading the interim government, Yunus said he initially didn't want to get into politics. He said he told them to find somebody else to run the country.
He said he told them to call him a day after rethinking about the proposal
"So they called me the next day. They said we debated and discussed, you should take over. So we are waiting for you and you have to agree," the CA said.
"So, finally I said, look you have given lives for this and suffered so much for this. If you have done so much already, I will forget what I said before and I'll accept your invitation and I'll come back. So I came back," he added.
Bangladesh economy
Asked about Bangladesh's economy, Prof Yunus said he has inherited a "dysfunctional economy".
"Oh, it's terrible; the whole economy is in terrible shape. The previous government has taken so many big projects -- billions of dollars projects. The whole banking system is totally destroyed. Billions of dollars have been transferred from Bangladesh to her [Shekh Hasina] cronies and other people. So, it is in shambles," he said.
However, Yunus said he is optimistic as his government has received "tremendous support" from the world community.
"They very, very warmly supported us and that's what helped us," he said referring to the world organisations and governments. He said those helps have helped his government in putting the banking system back in shape and also in making big payments.
"We already made big payments without touching the reserve," he said, adding that those were made from the "current income".
Asked when people will get the benefits of such actions, he said the effects are already being felt by the people as they can rely on the financial system.
"Inflation is not going wild, our foreign exchange is not disappearing, and it is building up every month. So, the confidence is coming back," he said.
