Md. Nurul Haque

The selection of Nobel laureate Professor Yunus as the chief adviser was the perfect decision, for he is the only person intimately internationally recognized figure to alloy the international mandate and, at the same time, to counter the conspiracy and aggressive attitude of India. He has a mastery of financial management and a super connection with the heavy-weight world leaders of Western and Eastern countries. However, recent conspiracies and mishaps, unrest in the hill track, Khagracchari and Rangamati with the Indigenous community, killing students by unscrupulous mobs, and recurrent protests and processions by different groups of people across the country signal that his soft hand is wobbling to hold these heavyweights.

In his second address to the nation, interim government's chief advisor Muhammad Yunus reflected on the country's substantial challenges since assuming office on August 25. He noted the considerable disarray within public administration, highlighting how many individuals in senior governmental roles were compelled to resign due to the untenable pressures from their colleagues or outright abandonment of their duties. Yunus's initial reticence gradually became more assertive as he articulated his views on the systemic issues plaguing governance.

During this address, Yunus conveyed a sense of urgency regarding the need for comprehensive reform across various sectors. He elaborated on the formation of six key commissions tasked with addressing critical areas: the electoral process, constitutional integrity, judicial reform, anti-corruption measures, and civil-police relations. While the specific starting point for these reforms was left somewhat ambiguous, he assured the nation that no sector would be neglected, emphasizing the interconnected nature of these initiatives.

Yunus sought to inspire confidence among government officials, the media, and the public. In a significant departure from his previous approach, he invited journalists to engage in open criticism, underscoring the necessity of a vibrant media landscape that could operate without undue interference. He indicated that establishing a media commission was under serious consideration, aiming to foster an environment where the press could fulfill its essential role without fear of reprisal.

Moreover, Yunus urged both citizens and expatriates to contribute to the 'July Genocide Memorial Foundation' in honor of the martyrs from a recent mass uprising, acknowledging the historical significance of such commemorations. He also addressed the immediate and severe impact of flooding in regions such as Feni, Comilla, Noakhali, and Sylhet, praising the prompt response of the armed forces to assist those affected. While he recognized the ongoing unrest caused by protests demanding redress for past grievances, he appealed to the public for understanding and restraint in their actions, promising to address their concerns diligently.

Central to Yunus's speech was the theme of judicial reform. He pointed to significant progress achieved since the interim government's formation, including the withdrawal of criminal cases linked to the student-led movements that had erupted earlier in the summer, except murder charges. He highlighted appointing a highly qualified chief justice, which he asserted had instilled renewed hope in the judicial system. Additionally, he noted the government's commitment to repealing draconian laws, including those under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Cyber Security Act, which have long been perceived as oppressive.

On the international front, Yunus expressed a desire to rekindle cooperation within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), mentioning his communication with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. His focus on regional solidarity echoed his ambition to recover looted financial resources, further fostering public optimism regarding economic recovery.

Critically, Yunus did not shy away from denouncing the previous government's expenditures, which he characterized as wasteful and corrupt. He accused the former regime of prioritizing personal gain over public benefits. He committed to scrutinizing ongoing projects to ensure their alignment with national interests, pledging to terminate those deemed unnecessary.

In addressing corruption within the energy sector, Yunus announced the suspension of negotiations and procurement processes related to electricity supply, asserting that past dealings had resulted in substantial financial malfeasance. He emphasized the necessity for restructuring within energy companies to enhance transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, Prof. Yunus spotlighted the education system, acknowledging its current flaws and advocating for an overhaul of the curriculum up to the twelfth grade. He identified rampant inflation, exacerbated by the prior government's financial mismanagement, as a critical concern, asserting that controlling this economic instability would be a primary objective of the interim government.

Throughout his address, Prof. Yunus characterized the prior administration as authoritarian, employing the term "fascist" on multiple occasions to underline his commitment to democratic principles. While some advisers appeared reluctant to echo such sentiments, Yunus demonstrated a forthrightness that resonated with a populace yearning for change.

Ultimately, his address encompassed a vision for collective progress, urging all stakeholders to recognize the significance of the reforms proposed and support the establishment of a governance framework that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and public welfare. The initiatives outlined are expected to be executed effectively, paving the way for a brighter future for the nation.

Now, the blatant success or implicit failure of the interim government heavily depends on the cooperation of the valiant students who sacrificed their blood for their rights and freedom from the claws of dictatorships and political parties like BNP, Jamaat, and other parties. Professor Yunus and his team should be given enough time and suggestions from mature political heads while cooperating with him in carrying out all challenging affairs and being vigilant of counter-revolution. Otherwise, his soft hands may fail to deal with mighty challenges, which is quite undesirable and shameful for a revolutionary nation like Bangladeshi.

The writer is an assistant professor of English at IUBAT and a PhD candidate at UMP, Malaysia.