Dhaka, November 19, 2024—Interim leader Muhammad Yunus marked 100 days in office with a televised address, appealing to the nation for patience as his administration works to implement sweeping electoral and institutional reforms. The Nobel laureate, tasked with leading Bangladesh’s transitional government after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August, pledged to deliver credible elections after reforms are complete.
“I promise that we will hold a much-anticipated election once necessary and essential reforms are complete,” Yunus said, underscoring the need for a robust electoral system that could endure for decades. He confirmed plans to establish an election commission “within a few days” but refrained from setting a timeline for general elections.
A Legacy of Reform Amidst Crisis
Yunus, celebrated globally for his groundbreaking work in microfinance, has assumed leadership at a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s history. His government faces the monumental task of restoring democracy after 15 years under Hasina’s controversial rule, which critics described as increasingly autocratic.
Initially sparked by opposition to a government job quota system, mass protests snowballed into widespread demonstrations against Hasina’s administration earlier this year. Security forces cracked down on demonstrators, resulting in one of the deadliest chapters in the country’s history. Yunus disclosed on Sunday that approximately 1,500 people were killed during the unrest, with allegations of 3,500 enforced disappearances during Hasina’s tenure.
Pursuit of Justice and Accountability
Yunus pledged accountability for past abuses, announcing plans for investigations into rights violations, including enforced disappearances under the previous regime. He also revealed that his administration would seek the extradition of Hasina, who fled to India during protests and now faces charges of “massacres, killings, and crimes against humanity.”
“We will seek the return of fallen autocrat Sheikh Hasina from India,” Yunus declared. An arrest warrant has already been issued for the former prime minister, who left Bangladesh via helicopter as demonstrators stormed her residence. Discussions with the International Criminal Court have been initiated regarding her prosecution.
The extradition request has the potential to strain relations with India, a key regional ally during Hasina’s tenure. Yunus emphasized the importance of resolving the matter diplomatically. “We draw attention to Indian authorities that you are hosting her; that’s fine, but please ensure she doesn’t create problems for us,” he said.
Challenges and Road Ahead
Yunus acknowledged significant challenges facing his administration, including corruption and institutional decay stemming from years of alleged mismanagement under Hasina. “Rebuilding system point by point, sector by sector, will be a big task,” he admitted.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, Hasina’s long-time political rival, has urged elections within three months, expressing confidence in securing victory as Hasina’s Awami League grapples with a loss of credibility. Yunus, however, stressed the importance of building consensus among political parties to lay the groundwork for lasting reform.
International observers have highlighted the fragile nature of the current political alliance supporting Yunus. International Crisis Group described the situation as a “monumental challenge,” warning that delays in reform or elections could destabilize the administration or even prompt military intervention.
As Yunus steers the nation through turbulent times, his call for patience resonates as both a plea and a challenge to a nation eager for change. For now, the Nobel laureate stands at the helm of what could be a defining moment in Bangladesh’s history.
