Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday reiterated that a general election will be held in Bangladesh by June next year, under any circumstances, to ensure the continuity of reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government.
Yunus renewed this commitment during a meeting with former Japanese prime minister and President of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League (JBPFL) Taro Aso at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
The meeting took place as Yunus began his four-day official visit to the island nation, where he is attending the Nikkei Forum for Asia and holding bilateral discussions with Japanese leaders, according to a statement from the chief adviser’s press wing.
The chief adviser arrived in Tokyo at 2:05pm local time, marking the beginning of a trip aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and securing further support for Bangladesh’s development and democratic transition.
Taro Aso, a long-time friend of Bangladesh and former Japanese foreign minister, praised Yunus for his efforts in restoring political stability and highlighted the importance of holding a general election for a smooth and credible democratic transition.
Yunus said the interim government is prioritising three key areas: Institutional reforms, trials of those responsible for political assassinations, and the organisation of a general election.
He emphasised that significant economic progress has already been achieved, particularly in restoring discipline in the banking sector, rebuilding foreign currency reserves, and repaying national debt.
“The previous regime destroyed every institution of our country, forcing the young people to rise up against it. The young people invited me to fix the mess that had been created,” Yunus stated.
He also expressed gratitude for Japan’s support during the interim period, saying, “Japan has given every kind of assistance we needed over the past 10 months. I want to thank Japan sincerely for its support. This visit is, in a way, a thank-you tour.”
Yunus invited Taro Aso to visit Bangladesh to witness the ongoing changes firsthand.
Several Japanese lawmakers accompanying Aso noted that signing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Japan and Bangladesh could significantly boost Japanese investment in the country.
Bangladesh aims to complete negotiations by August and sign the agreement in September. If finalised, Japan would become the first country to sign such an agreement with Bangladesh.
During the meeting, the chief adviser also briefed Japanese lawmakers on the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis. He appealed for Japan’s continued support in promoting the agenda for the voluntary and safe repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar.
“This crisis is unlike other refugee situations. The Rohingya are not seeking asylum in third countries — they want to return to their homeland,” Yunus said.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, and Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed were also present at the meeting.