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Bangladesh's Yunus Vows to Aid Rohingya in Landmark Policy Address

Monday 19 August 2024 - 08:30

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In a landmark address signaling the start of Bangladesh's new political era, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus outlined his administration's commitment to two critical national issues: support for Rohingya refugees and the preservation of the country's vital garment industry. Speaking to an audience of diplomats and UN representatives, Yunus, 84, who recently assumed the role of "chief adviser" to a caretaker administration, emphasized the importance of continuity in these key policy areas.

Yunus, who returned from Europe following a period of significant political upheaval, stated unequivocally, "Our government will continue to support the million-plus Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh." He called for sustained international efforts to support humanitarian operations for the Rohingya and facilitate their eventual repatriation to Myanmar "with safety, dignity, and full rights."

Bangladesh currently hosts approximately one million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled neighboring Myanmar in 2017 due to a military crackdown now under investigation by a United Nations court for potential genocide.

Addressing concerns about Bangladesh's vital textile industry, which faced disruptions during recent unrest, Yunus declared, "We won't tolerate any attempt to disrupt the global clothing supply chain, in which we are a key player." This statement underscores the importance of the garment sector to Bangladesh's economy, with 3,500 factories accounting for roughly 85 percent of the country's $55 billion in annual exports.

Yunus, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his groundbreaking work in microfinance, took office amid dramatic political changes. His predecessor, Sheikh Hasina, 76, abruptly left the country on August 5, following widespread protests and accusations of human rights abuses during her 15-year tenure.

Reflecting on recent events, Yunus spoke emotionally about the uprising that led to the political shift: "Hundreds of thousands of our valiant students and citizens rose up against the brutal dictatorship of Sheikh Hasina." He acknowledged the human cost of the transition, stating that "hundreds were killed, and thousands were injured" during the three-week period of unrest.

Looking forward, Yunus committed to holding free and fair elections "as soon as we complete our mandate to carry out vital reforms in our election commission, judiciary, civil administration, security forces, and media." He emphasized the need to rebuild institutions that he claims were "destroyed" under the previous administration.

The new leadership has also welcomed an upcoming UN fact-finding mission to investigate alleged atrocities committed during the recent unrest. "We want an impartial and internationally credible investigation into the massacre," Yunus affirmed, pledging full support for the UN investigators.

As Bangladesh navigates this significant political transition, Yunus's address signals a commitment to addressing longstanding humanitarian challenges while maintaining economic stability. The international community will be closely watching as the country works toward democratic reforms and national reconciliation under its new leadership.