The chief advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh Dr Muhammad Yunus has said that the duration of the interim government could be less than four years, or even less. However, when the exact time for the next election will be, he has nothing in mind, said Dr. Yunus.
Dr Muhammad Yunus said these things in an interview given recently to Al-Jazeera. He gave this interview on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Conference (COP29) held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The video interview was broadcast on Sunday.
In the interview, Dr Muhammad Yunus talked about the ongoing reform process in Bangladesh, upcoming elections, changing diplomatic relations and relations with the newly-elected US President Donald Trump. He also talked about crises Bangladesh facing due to the impact of climate change.
In response to the questions on when would be the right time for the next election in Bangladesh, or whether there is any thought, the chief adviser said, 'No. I don't have anything like that in mind.'
When asked about the time limit of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus said, 'We are the interim government. We are not a permanent government. The regular government is for five years. The term of government in the new constitution is likely to be four years. Because, people want shorter term of government. So it (term of interim government) should be less than four years, that's for sure. It may be less. It all depends on what the people want, what the political parties want.
He said, "If political parties want to forget it (reforms), want to hold elections, then it will be done."
In response to the question of whether he will remain as the head of the interim government for four years, Muhammad Yunus said, "I did not say that four years. As I said, it could be the maximum time. But that is not our intention. Our aim is to finish as soon as possible.
On the ongoing reform program, the Chief Adviser said that the entire government system will be reformed. People want something new. There will be reforms in all areas. Even the constitution is being reformed. Highlighting the various reform commissions for this purpose, he said that two processes are going on together - preparation for elections and preparation for completing all reforms.
The whole country wants something new. Muhammad Yunus said, the new Bangladesh is not limited only to elections.
Pointing out that nothing is being imposed here, he said, 'We want to know from the people of Bangladesh, do you want to go to the elections now or do you want these reforms to be completed?', he said.
The topic of Sheikh Hasina fleeing to India in the face of the Student-People Movement also came up in the interview, Dr. Yunus in response to the question, said, she is trying to destabilise Bangladesh. From there, she is calling for protests in Bangladesh, which are not beneficial for Bangladesh. So they are telling about these things to India. Harboring her, all right, but if this happens, complains to be made to nthem again.
A statement issued by Awami League on the occasion of Shaheed Noor Hossain Day on November 10 referred to Sheikh Hasina as the 'Prime Minister of Bangladesh'. When attention drew to the matter in the interview, Yunus said, "She (Sheikh Hasina) can say many things to herself. But that is not the reality. Even India called her former Prime Minister. So the shelter is not telling her anything except the former prime minister.
In response to the question whether an initiative will be taken to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country, the chief adviser said that the legal process is underway. If found guilty, her repatriation will be sought.
Dr Yunus said that he wants to manage the water of the same rivers together with India.
In response to a question, he said that Bangladesh was immersed in corruption in the last 16 years. His government is trying to get the country out of there.
