Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday firmly dismissed any possibility of joining the next elected government, emphasising that his interim administration’s sole responsibility is ensuring a smooth transition of power through a fair election.
“No way. I think none of our cabinet members (council of advisers) would want to do that,” he said in response to a journalist’s query about whether he or his team had any intention of being part of the future democratic government.
Yunus categorically stated that their role is to oversee a well-managed transition, ensuring public satisfaction when power is handed over to an elected administration. “We want to make sure the election is fair. This is a very critical factor for us,” he added.
The chief adviser made the remarks during a Q&A session following his speech at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in Chatham House, London.
When asked about the Bangladesh Awami League, Yunus questioned whether the party could still be considered a political entity given allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and corruption.
“Would you still call it a political party? So, that’s a debate, not a judgment,” he remarked.
He further stated that while many believed the Awami League’s influence had ended after former PM Sheikh Hasina left the country on August 5, those who fled never expressed remorse and, instead, continued to incite unrest.
“The nation has decided, for now, to suspend the Awami League’s activities for the safety of the country and its politicians. The ban will remain until trials are completed. That’s all we have done,” he clarified.
Regarding media freedom, the chief adviser asserted that the press has never enjoyed as much liberty as it does now.
When questioned about the demolition of the historic Bangabandhu Memorial Museum by city corporation bulldozers and the administration’s silence on the matter, he acknowledged the challenges of managing multiple crises.
“Many issues arose simultaneously, and we couldn’t address everything perfectly. It was a turbulent period, but now things are stabilising. Restoring order was our top priority,” he said.