No interest in joining future elected government, says Yunus

He says a well-managed transition is the caretaker administration’s main responsibility

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has made it clear that he has no interest in becoming part of the next elected government, saying his only responsibility is to ensure a “smooth and credible” transition of power.

Responding to questions at London’s Chatham House on Wednesday, the interim prime minister stressed that he believes no one in the Advisory Council wants that, the state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reports.

The session was followed by a conversation hosted by the Royal Institute of International Affairs.

“No way, no way. I think no one of our cabinet members [Advisory Council] would like to do that,” Yunus said.

He added that their job is to ensure a well-managed transition to hand over power to an elected government through election.

Yunus underscored the importance of delivering a free and fair election and ensuring public confidence at the handover. “We want to make sure that the election is right. This is a very critical factor for us,” he said.

Asked about the Awami League, Yunus raised questions about its political legitimacy.

“There is a debate over whether the Awami League can truly be called a political party when it is accused of killing young people, making citizens disappear and stealing public money,” he said.

“Would you still call it a political party? So, that's a debate, not a judgement.”

He added that after deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country on Aug 5, 2024, many assumed the party was undone but some of its former leaders continue to provoke unrest.

Awami League activists who fled the country – not one of them – expressed regret, rather they are stirring up the people, Yunus said.

He clarified that the ban was not on the Awami League as a party, but on its activities -- for now.

“Activities of the Awami League will be suspended for the time being... until the trial is done. That's all we have done.”

Yunus highlighted the status of freedom of the press in the country as “unprecedented” at the moment.

“The media had never enjoyed such freedom in the past that it is enjoying now.”