Dr. Yunus: Elections Now If No Reforms Needed!

Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government, has stated that the nature and scope of reforms will be determined by the political parties, and decisions regarding the speed of elections will be based on their consensus.

In a special interview with The Daily Star's editor, Mahfuz Anam, Dr. Yunus mentioned that reforms and elections are entirely a matter of consensus among political parties. He emphasized that if the public's direct opinion is to be sought, a referendum would be required.

Regarding elections, he said, "The faster the reforms, the faster the elections. And if the political parties say they do not want reforms, I will hold elections immediately."

He outlined his vision for reforms based on reports from the Election Commission, the police, the judiciary, the Anti-Corruption Commission, public administration, and the Constitutional Reform Commission. Dr. Yunus mentioned that the interim government would pave the way for elections through consensus among political parties as swiftly as possible.

He emphasized, "We are not imposing anything." He further stated that his administration is only working to facilitate the process.

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On the election roadmap, Dr. Yunus explained, "We are moving along two parallel tracks. Equal focus and effort are being given to both: one is the election, and the other is reforms."

He added, "The Election Commission will be announced within a day or two. The commission will operate independently. It’s not under my control. Everything necessary will be done there." However, he clarified that the Election Commission cannot begin its work until the Reform Commission submits its report. "Once the report is submitted, it cannot be used without political consensus," he noted.

Dr. Yunus mentioned that the Reform Commission's report would be available by the end of December. However, implementing it will require political consensus. "Meetings will be held with political parties, and efforts for understanding will continue—what they want, what they don’t. We will impose nothing."

He added, "Editorials will be written in the media, opinions will emerge, and we will seek the views of civil society." According to him, the timeline for reforms depends on how quickly political parties can reach a consensus, as elections are not possible without such agreement.

He said, "If the political parties tell us they don’t need reforms and want elections as is, we will conduct them as is. It will be ready. How long it takes for reforms to prepare depends on everyone’s consideration. Maybe no one is ready for elections. But if everyone agrees to hold elections before reforms, we will do so. Who are we to prevent that?"

When asked about the timeline for reforms, he stated that the commissions’ reports could be available by the end of December, and the government would have sufficient time until next July to reach a consensus on reforms.

He emphasized that it depends entirely on the political parties. "There’s no use asking me how long it will take."

On how the government would gauge public opinion, he replied that the government would discuss with political parties as representatives of the people. "I don’t think we can directly approach the public. That would require a referendum."

When asked whether the Awami League would participate in discussions on reforms, the Nobel laureate said, "It depends entirely on the political parties. If they want the Awami League to participate in this process, that’s what will happen. We are not giving any special opinions."

On the issue of cases filed against journalists without specific evidence, the Chief Advisor said, "It was done under old laws, hastily. We later stopped it."

Regarding foreign policy, Dr. Yunus stated that although he is closer to Democrats, his government can work with the Trump administration. He explained that when he was awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, there was bipartisan agreement. "So, if anyone disliked me, they would have said so then," he added.

Discussing how Indian media portrayed Bangladesh’s changing situation, Dr. Yunus said he raised the issue during a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I told him that the allegations of minority persecution are entirely false and propaganda. To see for themselves, Indian journalists should be sent here. It’s an open place; journalists can go wherever they want. No one will stop them. Indian journalists started coming, but the narrative didn’t change."

Dr. Yunus said he wanted to revive SAARC because he believed it could enhance cooperation in South Asia and the subcontinent.

"Everyone agrees on SAARC. Only India is not keen, which is why progress hasn’t been made. I continue to encourage India," he added.

However, the Chief Advisor stressed that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is very friendly. He stated that while differences may exist, they will not define the relationship between the two nations.

He remarked, "These two neighboring countries have such a long history and such a position that one cannot truly thrive without friendship with the other."

On relations with China, Dr. Yunus referred to his recent experience at the UN General Assembly. While a Chinese delegation wanted to meet him formally, protocol did not allow it.

Nevertheless, he had an extensive discussion with the Chinese Foreign Minister. "We didn’t meet formally. We sat in one place," he said.

The Chief Advisor added that the Chinese delegation, led by their Foreign Minister, presented a long statement, and he also shared his own views. Both sides discussed ways to collaborate further.