Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has expressed his deep concern over the prevailing political situation in Bangladesh, emphasising the need for greater efforts to overcome the current deadlock.
Speaking to India’s Press Trust of India (PTI) from his residence in Santiniketan, West Bengal, he conveyed his confidence in interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, describing him as highly capable.
“Yunus is an old friend, and I know he is a man of great ability,” Amartya Sen remarked.
“He has made strong statements in favour of secularism and democracy in Bangladesh. However, when one is suddenly placed at the helm of a country, as has happened in his case, it becomes imperative to consider the diverse political and social factions at play.”
While acknowledging the significant steps Yunus has taken, Amartya Sen noted that much remains to be done to resolve the ongoing crisis.
“He has a long road ahead in restoring stability,” he said.
A personal connection to Bangladesh
Amartya Sen, whose formative years were spent in Dhaka, reflected on his deep connection with Bangladesh, stating, “The situation in Bangladesh affects me profoundly because I strongly identify with my Bengali heritage.”
He recounted his early schooling at St Gregory’s School in Dhaka and frequent visits to his ancestral home in Manikganj, as well as his mother’s familial roots in Bikrampur’s Sonarang.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s strides since independence, Amartya Sen commended the nation’s economic and social advancements, including a rise in per capita income, declining birth rates, and increased life expectancy.
He particularly lauded the country’s progress in women’s empowerment, crediting both government initiatives and the contributions of non-governmental organisations such as BRAC and Grameen Bank.
Freedom of press and military restraint
Amartya Sen also observed that Bangladesh’s press remains “comparatively free,” pointing out that several newspapers continue to thrive despite their government-critical stance.
He praised the Bangladeshi military for refraining from establishing direct rule, unlike in many other nations.
On the matter of political inclusion, Amartya Sen warned against banning the Awami League, arguing that such a move would mirror the very mistakes other parties have accused the party of making.
“Bangladesh should harness its tradition of collaborative governance rather than marginalising any one group,” he advised.
A call for pluralism and fair elections
Expressing concern over recent communal violence, Amartya Sen strongly condemned attacks on Hindu minorities and temple vandalism, holding both the government and citizens accountable for preventing such acts.
“It is crucial to learn from history to prevent sectarian violence,” he stressed.
Despite his apprehensions, Amartya Sen remained cautiously optimistic about Bangladesh’s democratic future.
“I hope the nation remains committed to its ideals of independence and pluralism,” he stated. “The next election must not only be fair but must be visibly freer than those of the past.”
