‘One family, one goal’: Chief Adviser Prof Yunus urges national unity amid flood crisis

Staff Correspondent: Interim government Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, said on Sunday that all necessary steps have been taken to restore normalcy in the flood-affected regions of Bangladesh. Speaking in a televised address, Prof Yunus emphasized the importance of both domestic and regional cooperation to tackle such crises in the future.

“We are one family. We have one goal,” Prof Yunus declared. “We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our youth, and we are ready to take on this challenge.”

He called on the nation to support these efforts wholeheartedly, stressing the need to focus on long-term solutions rather than seeking immediate fixes or resorting to vigilante justice.

During his speech, the Nobel Peace Laureate also revealed plans to establish a ‘July Mass Killing Memorial Foundation’. This marked his second national address since assuming the role of Chief Adviser on August 8.

Prof Yunus said after the fascist government left the country in the face of a popular movement, they want to build a country where the human rights of every citizen will be fully protected.

“Our goal is one—a liberal, democratic, non-discriminatory, non-communal Bangladesh. We are one family. We have one goal. We are committed to not let any differences hinder our dreams,” he said.

Prof Yunus said only two weeks have passed since the current government assumed responsibility. “Thank you very much for the support I am getting from you in the first stage of the work of reforming the state.”

He said they understand that people’s expectations from the government are high and they are determined to fulfill this expectation.

Fifteen years of fascist rule left a mountain of challenges in almost every area, Prof Yunus said.

“But we are ready to accept this challenge. Today, I have come before you to seek your prayers and cooperation on behalf of the government. I will only say, you have to be patient,” he said.

The interim government has already started various reforms, he said.

“Political decisions will come from political discussions. If we do not get this direction, we cannot move forward firmly in discussions with donor organizations and international economic institutions,” he said.

He said the advisers have taken this responsibility at the call of students during the country’s crisis. “We will fulfill this responsibility with all our strength. Our advisory board is also motivated by this goal and everyone is working as a team.”

He said, “When the election will be held is a completely political decision, not our decision. The countrymen have to decide when you want us to leave.”

The students are their primary appointers and the vast public of the country has supported their appointment, said Prof Yunus.

He said they will constantly remind everyone about this so that the question does not suddenly arise when they will leave.

The Election Commission will also be reformed, said the head of the interim government.

He said that the Election Commission aims to prepare for a model election at any time.

According to the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, the ongoing floods have stranded at least 10 lakh families across 73 upazilas in 11 districts as of Sunday afternoon. While no new fatalities were reported by 3 pm today, two individuals remain missing in Moulvibazar. The overall death toll stands at 18, with 52,09,798 people affected across Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Khagrachari, Noakhali, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, Laxmipur, and Cox’s Bazar.

The ministry detailed that of the 18 deaths, four occurred in Cumilla, one in Feni, five in Chattogram, three in Noakhali, one each in Brahmanbaria and Laxmipur, and three in Cox’s Bazar. A total of 10,47,029 families have been impacted by the floods, which span 545 municipalities and unions.

Amid the crisis, at least 4,15,273 people have sought refuge in 3,654 shelter centers, where 22,298 domestic animals are also being housed. The government has deployed 748 medical teams to provide essential healthcare services in the affected areas.

In response to the disaster, the government has allocated Tk 3.52 crore to the 11 flood-hit districts, alongside 20,650 tonnes of rice, 15,000 packages of dry food, baby food, and fodder valued at Tk 35 lakh each.

Private organizations, businesses, and the general public have also joined the relief efforts. Deputy commissioners in the flood-affected areas have been instructed to coordinate with various stakeholders, including the coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, the army, navy, medical teams, and other volunteers.