“We stand ready to support Bangladesh’s interim government in creating a just and advanced society”
Bangladesh's journey toward a prosperous and harmonious future hinges on the unwavering support of nations worldwide. Under the visionary leadership of Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the interim government has embarked on a mission to dismantle authoritarianism and restore democracy.
For nearly 16 years, Bangladesh witnessed the entrenchment of authoritarian rule, which eroded the nation’s economic trajectory and corroded its institutional framework. This decay, however, was not a recent phenomenon; the seeds were sown in the post-independence era, with electoral processes falling prey to opportunistic plunderers. Elections became a mockery, where nominations and votes were auctioned off to the highest bidder, sidelining dedicated and ethical leaders.
Corruption seeped into every crevice of the state machinery. Law enforcement, meant to uphold justice, was reduced to mere puppets of authoritarian regimes, earning a notorious reputation among the people. The judiciary, too, became a handmaiden to tyranny, while the bureaucracy turned into a free-for-all plunder fest, with officials funneling illicit wealth abroad. The consequences were dire: a looming economic abyss, rampant loan defaults, and an exodus of funds to foreign shores, leaving banks crippled and the economy hollowed out.
Social values also bore the brunt of this decay. The ideals of the democracy, equality, and freedom of speech—were held hostage by neo-fascist manipulations. Divisions based on religion—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians—were stoked for political gain, undermining the civic rights of ordinary citizens.
Dr. Yunus’s interim government is steadfast in its mission to reform and rejuvenate the state. From reorganizing constitutional institutions to transforming law enforcement into true allies of the people, the reforms aim to foster trust and integrity. The government is working to revive ethical business practices, addressing the mistrust that stifled investment and employment opportunities during the prior regime.
Dr. Yunus has emphasized that the root of the nation’s turmoil lies in the rot of institutional frameworks. His vision is to rebuild these foundations to ensure a unified Bangladesh where every individual is treated as a human first, transcending the divisive rhetoric of majority and minority.
Dr. Yunus's reformative government has garnered unprecedented international support. A remarkable 198 global leaders, including 92 Nobel Laureates and prominent figures like former U.S. President Barack Obama, former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Brundtland, have endorsed his leadership.
In a statement published in the Washington Post, these leaders extended their solidarity, recognizing Bangladesh’s current path as its "second liberation." They celebrated Dr. Yunus’s resilience against tyranny and commended the youth-driven democratic movement that ousted authoritarian rule.
The global leaders lauded Dr. Yunus's dedication to ushering in a brighter future for Bangladesh, inspiring millions of youth, including the diaspora. They expressed optimism that his leadership would pave the way for free and fair elections and strengthen democracy.
“We stand ready to support Bangladesh’s interim government in creating a just and advanced society,” their statement declared, highlighting the global significance of Bangladesh's transformative journey.
Dr. Yunus has called upon the international community to rally behind Bangladesh’s reforms. "Our mission is to rebuild Bangladesh, and we need your unwavering support," he stated. To achieve a bright and prosperous future, it is imperative that nations across the globe extend their hands to the government under his stewardship.
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The author is a columnist, President of the Chittagong University Alumni Association, Bashundhara, and former Trustee of the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust.
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