Has Muhammad Yunus achieved his aim of uniting Bangladesh?

Key Concepts:

1. Political Uprising and Eunis's Role

In August, an uprising in Bangladesh led to the overthrow of the Awami League government due to accusations of election rigging, corruption, human rights abuses, and the jailing of opponents under Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule.
Muhammad Eunis, founder of Grammine Micro Finance Bank, was chosen by student leaders to unite the divided nation as chief advisor.
Eunis emphasizes the importance of freedom of speech, democracy, and human rights, which he claims Bangladesh has never truly experienced.
He highlights the role of young people, who make up half the population and led the uprising, as an example for global change.

2. Anti-Corruption Efforts and the Case of Chulip Sadik

Eunis expresses confidence in the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to address corruption.
The ACC is investigating British MP Chulip Sadik, niece of former PM Sheikh Hasina, for allegedly illegally receiving land, which she denies.
Despite Sadik being cleared by a UK government advisor, the ACC continues its investigation, stating the allegations are not "targeted and baseless."
Eunis explains that the legal procedure requires lawyers to exchange information, and it's not too late for that to happen.

3. Impact of Aid Cuts on Bangladesh

Bangladesh has been a top recipient of UK aid, and the planned cuts will be a "big blow."
Eunis notes that aid levels fluctuate, and Bangladesh must adapt by increasing its own income.
He cites the example of USAID cutting funding for the Rohingya issue and the ICDDR,B (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), which researches cholera and other diseases, leaving researchers without salaries.

4. The Rohingya Refugee Crisis

Nearly a million Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar since 2017 live in limbo in Cox's Bazaar, reliant on aid.
Eunis acknowledges the crisis and his visit to the camps with the UN Secretary-General, where he met over 100,000 refugees.
He believes repatriation is the only solution and appeals to the world to facilitate their return.
He states that integrating the Rohingya into Bangladesh is not a solution due to existing hostility and limited resources.
Bangladesh provided accommodation when they could have stopped them at the border, with assurances from the international community to take care of them.

5. Trade Tariffs and Economic Opportunities

The imposition of 37% tariffs by the US on Bangladeshi goods was a shock.
Eunis suggests it could be an opportunity to revisit policies and explore new business opportunities with the US.
Bangladesh is the world's second-largest exporter of ready-made garments after China, with the US being a major importer.

6. Elections and the Awami League's Participation

Eunis calls for inclusive and participatory elections.
He clarifies that inclusiveness, as defined by the UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka, means participation of all people, not necessarily a particular party (Awami League).
The decision on whether the Awami League can participate in the elections rests with the Election Commission.
The Awami League is not banned, but its activities, including election participation, are temporarily suspended.

7. Sheikh Hasina's Situation and Justice

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister, is taking refuge in India.
Eunis states that her trial has already begun and will proceed through the legal process.
He wants her to return to face trial and emphasizes using the international system to bring her back.
He expresses concern about her addressing people in Bangladesh through the airwaves.

8. Allegations of Repression and Violence Against Minorities

Eunis denies allegations that the interim government is silencing critics like the Awami League did.
He dismisses reports of violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, as "fake news."
He invites journalists to investigate specific incidents and assures that the law will address any wrongdoing.

9. Eunis's Achievements and Vision for a New Civilization

Eunis considers his greatest achievement to be calming down the "enormous amount of outburst of hatred and outburst of anger" following the uprising.
He notes that the economy is improving, with exports increasing, banks filling up, and foreign exchange reserves rising.
He envisions a "new civilization" with "three zeros": zero net carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment.
He believes the current civilization is self-destructive, leading to wealth concentration and eventual collapse.

10. Conclusion

Muhammad Eunis, despite being thrust into the role of chief advisor at 84, is actively addressing Bangladesh's challenges, including corruption, the Rohingya crisis, and economic concerns. He is focused on creating a stable and democratic environment while advocating for a new civilization based on sustainability and equality. He plans to retire after the elections and the formation of a new government.

Has Muhammad Yunus achieved his aim of uniting Bangladesh? | BBC News