Bangladesh will never return to fascism: Dr Yunus

Dr Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, has said that Bangladesh will never return to fascism and its democracy will never face threat. He emphasised that, based on national consensus, democratic and reform processes will continue sustainably. No force can obstruct the reconstruction of a justice-based state achieved through the sacrifices of the people.

He made the remarks on Friday at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which started at 9am local time. Yunus delivered his speech at 11:30am as the tenth speaker of the day.

Dr Yunus recalled that Bangladesh was born in 1971 through a bloody struggle for equality, human dignity, and social justice. However, the rights people fought for have repeatedly faced obstacles over the past five decades, requiring repeated sacrifices to restore them.

He noted that this year marked the first anniversary of the July uprising, where the youth defeated fascism. The Chief Adviser said the uprising opened a new path for an equitable and justice-based society, entrusting the people with this responsibility.

On the challenge of state reconstruction, Dr Yunus said that while reforms could be made by executive order, the government chose a difficult path— an inclusive and sustainable process. Eleven independent reform commissions were formed in key national sectors, including the judiciary, governance, elections, public administration, law and order, anti-corruption, and women’s rights.

He added that a National Consensus Commission was formed with over 30 political parties and alliances to ensure political agreement in implementing these reforms. As a result, all parties issued the ‘July Declaration’ and pledged timely commitment to the reform process.

The Chief Adviser concluded that with this commitment, there will be no uncertainty in implementing reforms in the next election, regardless of which party wins the people’s support. Bangladesh’s democracy will never face threat again.