Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, denounced growing rumours against his administration, blaming them on opposition forces linked to former Premier Sheikh Hasina. He urged citizens to stay vigilant and united as elections approach, while also seeking UN cooperation to tackle misinformation. Yunus recalled the Liberation War’s atrocities in his address, emphasizing the ongoing struggle against historical revisionism.
Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, addressed the nation by asserting that the country is experiencing a “festival of rumours” aimed at discrediting his administration. He attributed these unfounded claims to “the defeated force,” implicitly referencing the deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime, particularly in light of the July-August 2024 Uprising.
In his televised address, marking the eve of Bangladesh’s Independence Day, Yunus noted that unlike previous years, there will be no military parade in the capital, although district-level celebrations will continue. Home Ministry Senior Secretary Nasimul Ghani recently indicated that the nation is currently functioning in a wartime environment.
Yunus urged citizens to remain vigilant and united to combat the spread of misinformation. He warned that as the anticipated election approaches, the intensity of these rumours is likely to escalate. Yunus emphasized that individuals ought to seek out the origins of such gossip, as various experts, allegedly funded extensively, are working to undermine the government’s stability.
Reinforcing the necessity of unity, Yunus stated, “Our overall unity is severely irritating them,” and expressed concern that many may unwittingly become pawns in an orchestrated campaign. He characterized the current situation as a war, adding that his administration has sought assistance from the United Nations to curb the dissemination of rumours, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres allegedly offering support during a recent visit.
The former Prime Minister Hasina’s government was overthrown after a significant student-led protest in August 2024. Yunus returned to assume his duties as Chief Adviser shortly thereafter, following a Nobel Peace Prize-winning initiative focused on reducing poverty through banking.
Political analysts suggest that extremist elements have sought to increase their influence during Yunus’s rule, leading to a campaign that marginalizes proponents of the 1971 Liberation War. With the Awami League, a key force during the war, facing arrests and fleeing trials for crimes against humanity, there have been escalating concerns over historical revisionism.
Mirza Faklhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary-General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, criticized entities attempting to diminish the significance of the 1971 Liberation War. He asserted that those complicity in prior atrocities against the Bangladeshi people are attempting to overshadow the memories of the war. Yunus, in his address, remembered the atrocities committed on March 25, 1971, by the Pakistani forces, recalling the tragic events that catalyzed Bangladesh’s struggle for independence through armed resistance.
In summary, Muhammad Yunus addressed the rise of misinformation concerning his administration, attributing these rumours to opposition forces and calling for unity among citizens. As Bangladesh approaches key elections, Yunus emphasized the importance of vigilance against these destabilizing narratives. He also highlighted the international community’s support to combat misinformation while paying tribute to the sacrifices made during the 1971 Liberation War.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
