Bangkok, Apr 04 (V7N) – Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor to the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has declared that holding a free, fair, and participatory national election is the top priority of his administration. He made the statement during his address at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday (April 4).

"I have assured our people that once the necessary reforms are completed, we will hold a free, fair and participatory election as per the responsibility entrusted to us," said Dr. Yunus.

Drawing parallels between Bangladesh’s Liberation War of 1971 and the recent mass uprising in July, Dr. Yunus highlighted the sacrifices made by the people in pursuit of justice, equality, and democracy.

“In 1971, millions of ordinary men, women, children and youth made the ultimate sacrifice in a nine-month genocide. They dreamed of an inclusive, just and free society,” he said.

Regretting the decline in civil rights over the past 15 years, he added, “Our people, especially the youth, have seen their rights continuously curtailed. They have witnessed the decay of institutions and the erosion of civil liberties.”

Dr. Yunus stated that about 2,000 innocent people, including 118 children, lost their lives in the popular movement that toppled what he described as Sheikh Hasina’s corrupt and dictatorial regime.

He said the interim government is deeply committed to economic stability, sustainable growth, and good governance, and has already formed six key commissions to reform:

  • The Judiciary

  • Electoral System

  • Public Administration

  • Police

  • Anti-Corruption Commission

  • Constitution

The recommendations of these commissions are currently under government review. To consolidate these efforts, a seven-member National Consensus Commission, chaired by Dr. Yunus himself and comprising the heads of the six commissions, has been formed.

In addition, the government has launched four new commissions focused on media, health, labor, and women’s rights.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure the constitutional rights of every citizen—women, ethnic and religious minorities alike,” said Dr. Yunus.

Dr. Yunus emphasized that the interim government will continue to pursue public ownership, accountability, and welfare-driven governance. He stressed that these sweeping reforms are not just transitional, but foundational to rebuilding a better, more democratic Bangladesh.

The summit was attended by Thai Prime Minister Phatthana Shinawatra, who is chairing the conference, BIMSTEC Secretary General Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, and heads of government from member states.

This marked Dr. Yunus’s first BIMSTEC summit as Chief Advisor, where he is set to take charge as the next BIMSTEC Chair for the next two years.

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