Bangladesh's interim government chief, Dr Muhammad Yunus, has stated that the Awami League must decide whether to contest the upcoming national election.
"The Awami League must determine if they wish to participate. I cannot make that decision for them. The Election Commission decides who can take part in the election," Dr Yunus told the BBC in an interview published on Thursday (March 6).
He also reiterated that the next parliamentary election will be held between December and March next year.
A Dramatic Political Shift in Bangladesh
According to the BBC, Dr Yunus revealed that he was surprised when asked to lead the government after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster last year.
"I had no prior expectation of heading the government. I had never managed a government before, yet I had to quickly grasp the situation and act accordingly," he said.
Following his appointment, Dr. Yunus and his team prioritized restoring law and order and stabilizing the economy.
On August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina was removed from power amid a mass uprising led by an anti-discrimination student movement. She later took refuge in India. Three days later, on August 8, Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government.
In the wake of this dramatic transition, legal proceedings were initiated against former government ministers, MPs, and officials on charges of genocide related to the suppression of the uprising. An arrest warrant was also issued against Sheikh Hasina. Additionally, some factions have called for the Awami League to be banned from politics.
Commitment to Reforms and a Fair Election
Since taking office, the interim government has pledged major reforms and a credible election. However, Dr Yunus acknowledged that meaningful reforms take time.
The timing of the next election remains a pressing question, as does the Awami League's participation.
Reaffirming his commitment to holding a fair election, Dr Yunus stated, "The election will take place between December 2025 and March 2026, depending on how quickly we can implement the necessary reforms. These reforms are essential for a free and fair election."
"If we can complete the reforms quickly, we will hold the election in December. If more time is needed, it may be pushed to early next year," he added.
Regarding the Awami League's participation, Dr Yunus said, "They decide to make. I cannot decide for them. The Election Commission determines who is eligible to participate."
Concerns Over Law and Order
Despite the interim government being in power for seven months, many Dhaka residents feel law and order has not yet been fully restored.
Dr Yunus dismissed such concerns, telling the BBC, "The current situation is not fundamentally different from previous times. If you compare it to the same period last year, law and order remains stable."
Blaming the previous government for the country's challenges, he remarked, "I do not condone such incidents, but we must recognize that we have inherited these issues. Bangladesh is not a perfect country that was suddenly created overnight. These problems have persisted for many years."
Security Concerns for Awami League Members
There have been growing concerns about the safety of Sheikh Hasina's political allies.
In February, following reports that Sheikh Hasina planned to deliver a speech on YouTube, several houses belonging to former President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Awami League members were attacked, vandalized, and set on fire.
Asked about claims that Awami League members feel unsafe in Bangladesh, Dr Yunus responded, "The country has courts, laws, and police stations. They should file complaints with the police rather than only speaking to BBC journalists. Let's see if the legal system functions as it should."
Impact of US Foreign Aid Cuts
The Trump administration's decision to reduce foreign aid and cut nearly all USAID-funded programs is expected to impact countries like Bangladesh.
Commenting on this, Dr Yunus said, "That is their decision. It aligns with what we wanted—to combat corruption and other issues we have long struggled to address."
The US is Bangladesh's third-largest provider of development aid, having pledged $450 million last year.
When asked how Bangladesh will manage the funding gap, Dr Yunus confidently stated, "When the time comes, we will handle it."
