London, June 11 (V7N) - In a significant address today at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in Chatham House, Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, emphatically stated he has no interest in joining the country's next elected government. His remarks underscore the caretaker administration's commitment to overseeing a smooth transition of power.

"No way, no way. I think no one of our cabinet members would like to do that," Yunus declared when asked if he harbored aspirations to be part of the next democratically elected government. He emphasized that the Council of Advisers' primary objective is to ensure a well-managed handover to an elected government following fair polls. "We want to make sure that the election is right. This is a very critical factor for us," he added.

During the question and answer session, Professor Yunus also weighed in on the contentious issue of the Bangladesh Awami League. He questioned whether the party, facing accusations of "killing young people, making citizens disappeared and stealing public money," could still legitimately be called a political party. "Would you still call it a political party? So, that's a debate, not a judgement," he clarified.

Yunus recounted that the "chapter was closed" when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina departed Bangladesh on August 5. However, he noted that Awami League members who fled the country have not expressed remorse and are instead "exciting people."

In a striking revelation, Yunus stated that the nation has temporarily banned the activities of the Awami League, not the party itself, for the "safety of the country and the politicians." He explained, "Activities of the Awami League will be suspended for the time being....until the trial is done. That's all we have done."

Regarding media freedom, the Chief Adviser asserted that the press in Bangladesh is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of liberty.

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