Interim Government's Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has praised the immense sacrifices made by the nation's students.
"Two weeks ago, Bangladesh experienced a profound turning point with what many are calling the Second Revolution. Hundreds of thousands of our courageous students and citizens rose against the repressive regime of Sheikh Hasina, who subsequently fled the country," he said speaking during a briefing for diplomats and mission heads at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday (18 August).
"This departure came only after the security forces and the ruling party's student wing perpetrated the most severe civilian massacre since Bangladesh's independence. The violence resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries, with many students suffering severe eye injuries from rubber bullets. I extend my deepest respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for democratic ideals," he added.
Dr Yunus expressed gratitude to the friendly nations for their support.
He lamented the destruction of national institutions under Hasina's rule and urged diplomats to remain patient, expressing hope for the country's recovery.
The chief adviser praised the young people for their dedication to democratic expression and condemned the previous regime's corruption and institutional decay.
"When I assumed office, I inherited a country in disarray. The Hasina dictatorship had eroded our institutions, broken the judiciary, and suppressed democratic rights over a brutal fifteen-year period. Elections were blatantly rigged, and successive generations were deprived of their voting rights. Political patronage led to widespread corruption, including the plundering of state funds," Dr Yunus said.
"A new era has begun as students have articulated their vision for a nation where all citizens, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic backgrounds, can achieve their aspirations and enjoy full freedom of expression," the chief adviser said.
"The interim government's foremost priority is to restore law and order swiftly, with the unwavering support of our people and dedicated armed forces. The police have resumed their duties, and the armed forces will continue to support civil authorities as needed. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups," he added.
He noted that the judiciary has been undermined, democratic rights have been curtailed for an extended period, and fraudulent elections have taken place, leaving the youth disenfranchised and witnessing bank robberies influenced by political corruption.
"Justice and accountability for the recent violence are paramount. I have engaged with UN human rights chief Volker Turk and welcomed the UN's decision to dispatch a fact-finding mission. We seek a thorough, impartial investigation and are ready to assist the UN in any way necessary," he added.
"We are determined to conduct free and fair elections once we complete essential reforms to the election commission, judiciary, civil administration, security forces, and media. Efforts will also focus on national reconciliation. Economic reforms will be implemented to restore stability and growth, with an emphasis on good governance and combating corruption. We will uphold our international legal obligations and continue to support the Rohingya community in Bangladesh, advocating for their safe and dignified repatriation," Dr Yunus said.
Encouraged by international support, Yunus said the interim government is committed to fostering friendly relations and maintaining trust with trade and investment partners.
"We will ensure the global clothing supply chain, where Bangladesh plays a crucial role, remains uninterrupted. As Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, we are determined to fulfil the aspirations of our brave students and people, striving for a prosperous, poverty-free nation. We look forward to the continued support of the international community as we embark on this transformative journey," he added.
