“The country’s governance structure has been completely destroyed during Hasina’s 15-year rule, and a huge task has fallen on us to rebuild it by restoring democracy, economic stability and public trust.”
That was Bangladesh Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus in an interview to Japan’s Nikkei Asia newspaper.
Excerpts from the interview carried by the Dhaka Tribune, quoted him using strong language, saying that “Under her rule, democratic principles were completely disregarded. She orchestrated sham elections with no voter participation for three consecutive terms, declaring herself and her party the winners unopposed and operated as a fascist ruler.”
He made another point in the context of the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh, issuing an arrest warrant for the ousted prime minister and others.
“Once the trial concludes and a verdict is reached, we will formally request India to hand her over”, underscoring that since both countries subscribed to international law, “India would be obligated to comply”.
Asked about the Indian government’s concern of the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, Yunus said “Much of what’s being said about this issue is propaganda and not based on facts.”
Calling for a “strong and cooperative relationship with India,” he nevertheless took another swipe at Bangladesh’s biggest neighbour, saying that he proposes to revive SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), knowing full well that India sees no purpose in a grouping which because of Pakistan’s machinations, was rendered dysfunctional.
On holding elections he reiterated a point he has made earlier, that polls will be held only after implementing constitutional and judicial reforms, also overhaul of the electoral system.
“We need comprehensive reforms in the economy, governance, bureaucracy and judiciary,” he said, affirming that several panels are now studying how to implement reforms and once recommendations are in, implementation will begin. But he gave no timelines.
“Implementing these reforms will take time as we are essentially building a new Bangladesh from scratch,” he said. As for his own plans, “I’m not a politician, I’ve always stayed from politics. Individuals who uphold principles, follow rules and procedures and are free from corruption should stand for election.”
