Early Bangladesh polls unlikely as Yunus says implement reforms first

DHAKA: Bangladesh interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus pledged on Sunday to hold elections but said a “free, fair and participatory” election can only be held when the interim government has completed its “mandate” to carry out “vital reforms”.
In his first interaction with diplomats stationed in Dhaka, Professor Yunus said reforms are needed in the election commission, judiciary, civil administration, security forces, and media.In their effort to stay in power, Prof Yunus told diplomats, the “Sheikh Hasina dictatorship destroyed every institution of the country. The judiciary was broken and democratic rights suppressed through a brutal decade-and-a-half crackdown.”
The “to-do list” involves a long process, creating uncertainty about the prospect of early elections and formation of an elected govt.
“The revolutionary students want us to carry out meaningful and deep reforms, which will turn the country into a real and thriving democracy. The task is huge but doable with the support of all people and the international community,” Professor Yunus said, adding, “We must succeed. We don’t have any other option.”
His comments came amid calls from the international community for steps to “restore democratic order and rule of law” through an “inclusive and participatory” process guided by human rights.

Yunus: Previous polls rigged, generations grew up without exercising voting rights
Yunus said previous elections were rigged blatantly and generations of young people had grown up without exercising their voting rights. “Banks were robbed with full political patronisation, and the state coffer was plundered by abusing power,” said Yunus, adding that they would also make sincere efforts to promote national reconciliation.
Over 50 diplomats, including Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma and representatives of the UN agencies, were present.
Yunus said the interim government has to create opportunities to build a poverty-free and prosperous new Bangladesh. “We believe all our friends and partners in the international community will stand by our govt and people as we chart a new democratic future,” Yunus added.
Responding to criticism in Bangladesh and abroad over rights violations, including attacks on minority communities, the chief adviser said, “Our govt remains pledge-bound to ensure the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups.” He also said they have ensuring justice and accountability for all the killings and violence committed during the recent mass uprising a priority.
He said he had spoken to UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk. “We want an impartial and internationally credible investigation into the massacre and subsequent due judicial processes. We will provide whatever support the UN investigators need,” he said.
Bangladesh will maintain support both for its immense Rohingya refugee population and its vital garment trade, the chief adviser said. Yunus said they will undertake robust and far-reaching economic reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and sustained growth, with priority attached to good governance and combating corruption and mismanagement.