‘Continue to build a just, humane, democratic Bangladesh’

Highlighting the interim government’s initiatives to ensure democratic rights and values over the last 18 months, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called upon everyone to continue the struggle to build a just, humane and democratic Bangladesh.
“I call upon everyone, regardless of party, creed, religion, caste and gender to continue the struggle to build a just, humane, and democratic Bangladesh. With this appeal, I bid farewell with great optimism,” he said in his farewell address to the nation tonight.
Urging all to build a Bangladesh where possibilities are limitless and dreams have no boundaries, the chief adviser said over the last 18 months, the people of this country have gradually started to practice democracy, a welfare-oriented governance, freedom of speech, the ability to question and criticize power, and the ability to hold it accountable. 
“The people’s rights have been ensured by organising elections in a festive atmosphere. Let this trend not be lost in any way,” he added.
Prof Yunus expressed confidence that the people of Bangladesh and all political stakeholders will protect and enrich this democratic trajectory through steel-strong unity in the days ahead. 
On matters of rights, independence and sovereignty, he urged steadfast commitment to building a beautiful Bangladesh for the next generation.
“On the eve of my departure from my duties, I express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you – the children, teenagers, young people, students, men and women, young and old – of the country. Please pray for me,” the chief adviser said.

At the outset of his speech, Prof Yunus congratulated everyone of the country over the successful completion of a festive, participatory and peaceful national election after 17 long years.
Through this election, he said, the people, voters, political parties, candidates, election-related institutions and law enforcement agencies collectively created a commendable precedent.
“This election will be an excellent example of how Bangladesh’s elections should be in the future,” the chief adviser added.
Noting that this election was not just a process of transferring power, he said, “It is the beginning of a new journey for Bangladesh’s democratic system; the birth of a new Bangladesh”.
Prof Yunus expressed his deep respect and gratitude to those who were behind this achievement – the young protesters who took to the streets in July 2024.
He thanked the country’s people, voters, political parties, candidates, election-related institutions, law enforcement agencies, armed forces and government officials for their sincere cooperation to make the election successful.
The chief adviser congratulated all candidates who contested the polls, including the winners and losers.
Recalling the event of 5 August, 2024, when the country’s people from all walks of life had breathed a sigh of relief from everywhere after ousting the 16 year long fascist regime, he said the student leaders of the movement had invited him to lead the government at that turbulent time.
“After faithfully fulfilling the duties entrusted to me for the past 18 months, I have come to bid you farewell today as the chief advisor to the interim government on the eve of handing over the responsibility to an elected government,” Prof Yunus said.

Following the July uprising, he said he was invited to join the interim government as its head a time when the country was in a deep political, economic, institutional and humanitarian crisis.
“People had lost faith in the state apparatus, democracy was in shambles, and the future was uncertain. I was called upon at that critical time-with one goal in mind. I was given three responsibilities- reform justice and elections- to return Bangladesh to normal situation,” the chief adviser added.
Urging the people to assess the government efforts where it was successful in fulfilling its duties, he said, “There was no shortage of our efforts”.

Recommended Stories

• Half a century in cricket: Gazi Ashraf ready to leave BCB role
• Maldives President heads to Dhaka for Tarique’s oath-taking ceremon