Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government, remarked that a "war-like situation" has erupted both domestically and internationally following the ban on the Awami League, seemingly aimed at hindering the nation's progress. His comments came after the first round of meetings with political parties.
"Having everyone together has instilled courage in me," Professor Yunus stated. His Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, conveyed these remarks at a press conference held at the Chief Adviser's official residence, Jamuna, late Sunday, May 25, 2025, after the conclusion of the meetings.
Alam elaborated on the Chief Adviser's concerns, stating, "The Chief Adviser said that after the Awami League's activities were banned, there have been attempts to destabilize the country in every possible way, and we must protect ourselves from this. We are in a major state of war. We must overcome division and maintain unity. We must ensure that the self-respecting nation we have become continues to move forward."
"Feeling Criminal" If Fair Election Not Held
Shafiqul Alam further conveyed the essence of the Chief Adviser's discussions during the meeting. He quoted Professor Yunus as saying, "I will feel criminal if I cannot hold a fair election. I have gained a great opportunity due to the coup. As soon as we started to pull the destroyed country back and banned the Awami League, a war-like situation developed inside and outside the country, so that we cannot move forward, so that everything collapses, and so that we return to slavery."
The Chief Adviser's Press Secretary added, "He [the Chief Adviser] said that the intention of those conspiring is for us to return to slavery. As long as I am here, rest assured, I will not do anything that harms the country."
