Have patience; difficult to overcome mountain-like challenges overnight: Prof Yunus

Staff Correspondent: Interim government’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday urged the country’s people to be patient and allow time for the mountain-like challenges to be overcome gradually, rather than insisting on immediate solutions.

“I would like to say, you have to be patient. We must avoid forcing all demands to be met now, entering the institution and threatening individuals, pressing for accepting the case and tendency to punish arrested individuals in the court before their trial,” he said.

In his televised address to the nation, Prof Yunus warned that unruly behavior could undermine the glory and potential of the people’s revolution and hinder efforts to build a new Bangladesh.

Stating that it has been only two weeks since the current government took office, the chief adviser sincerely thanked the people for their support during the initial phase of state reforms.

“We understand that you have high expectations from us, and we are committed to fulfilling them. The long period of democratic deficit and 15 years of fascist rule that have left us with mountain-like challenges in nearly every sector. We are prepared to face these challenges.”

Dr Yunus, the 2006 Nobel peace laureate, said it is difficult to overcome the current situation of the country overnight as his government is working to rebuild the country standing on a structure that is quite contrary to the public interest.

“We want to build the country in such a way so that its people truly become the source of all power. We want it to be recognized as a humane and welfare-oriented nation on the global stage. We must succeed in state reforms to honor the sacrifices of the younger generation, students, and the people. There is no alternative to this,” he observed.

The chief adviser said local government institutions will be empowered and decentralization of power will be ensured to strengthen democracy.

Polls to be arranged after necessary reforms

He said a free, fair, and participatory election will be arranged after completing necessary reforms in the administration, judiciary, Election Commission and electoral system, law and order, and information flow to bring the student-led mass upsurge to a successful conclusion.

“This will initiate a new political arrangement focused on accountability and combating corruption, looting, and mass killing,” Dr Yunus said.

Mentioning that the current government has taken a clear stance against corruption, he said all the advisors will present their asset details within the shortest possible time. “Gradually, this will become a regular and mandatory practice for all government officials.”

To address corruption at the state level, the chief adviser said an ordinance must be promulgated for the appointment of an ombudsman as promised in Article 77 of the Constitution.

He said a committee has already been formed to prepare a white paper on the corruption, money laundering, and anti-public interest agreements of the past 15 years.

“I have been meeting with ambassadors from different countries and representatives of donor organizations…I am requesting their support for all forms of economic and other assistance needed for rebuilding the country following the student-led mass upsurge,” Dr Yunus said.

They have shown interest in this matter. We are working to draft and send our proposals to them promptly. I have also requested that they expedite the release of funds due to the urgent circumstances. I have conveyed that while the current situation is challenging, it presents a significant opportunity for the nation. I am seeking their cooperation to fully capitalize on this opportunity.

This was his second speech to the nation since his appointment as chief adviser to the interim government on August 8.