Bangladesh’s interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Sunday alleged that Sheikh Hasina’s “brutal dictatorship” during her decade-and-a-half-long rule has destroyed almost every institution in the country and elections were “blatantly rigged”.
Yunus briefed foreign diplomats in Dhaka for the first time, 10 days after taking charge as chief advisor to the interim government following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and her escape to India. The 84-year-old Nobel laureate sought support from the international community to rebuild the country.
‘We will conduct free and fair elections’
Yunus assured diplomats in Dhaka, including India’s High Commissioner Prannoy Verma, that his administration would soon conduct ‘free, fair and participatory’ elections. He said, ‘Revolutionary students want us to carry out meaningful and deep reforms that will transform the country into a thriving democracy. This work is huge but is possible with the support of all people and the international community.
‘Destroyed every institution of the country’
Yunus alleged, ‘In its efforts to remain in power, Sheikh Hasina’s dictatorship has destroyed every institution of the country. The judiciary was completely dismantled. Democratic rights were suppressed through brutal crackdown for one and a half decade. Hasina was the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from June 1996 to July 2001 and again from January 2009 to August 2024.
‘I found a country that was almost ruined’
Yunus said his government would soon hold ‘free, fair and participatory’ elections but voting would take place only ‘after we fulfill our mandate of carrying out significant reforms in the Election Commission, judiciary, civil administration, security forces and media.’
Yunus said he inherited a country that was completely ruined ‘in many ways’ after Sheikh Hasina’s ‘brutal dictatorship’. He said, ‘A second revolution has taken place in Bangladesh. Thousands of brave students and common people have stood up against the brutal dictatorship of Sheikh Hasina.