Accountability and transparency are key to good governance

The people of Bangladesh sought inclusive participation in development activities. Our people fought for a fair, inclusive, and effective democracy, for which the new generation sacrificed their lives. Initially, the student and youth movements were primarily anti-discrimination movements, but over time, they evolved into a mass movement, as noted by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. According to him, this mass movement united the general public, who were deprived of political rights and the benefits of development. It was from a deep belief in liberalism, pluralism, and secularism that the state of Bangladesh emerged. The values that our people embraced in the 1971 Liberation War were revived and seen in a new light by our student community many years later. Through their indomitable determination and resolve, the student community freed us from an authoritarian and undemocratic regime.

In the current changed circumstances of the country, all political parties are able to freely express their opinions. Dr. Muhammad Yunus has worked to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of the people. Our expectation is that the people of our country will speak freely, assemble without fear or intimidation, and elect their preferred representatives through voting. The goal of an interim government should be to restore good governance at all levels of the state system. In the coming days, may Dr. Muhammad Yunus' government inspire people across the world to stand for freedom and justice.

Dr. Yunus' reputation as a visionary and change-maker was earned even before his current role. In recognition of his groundbreaking work in poverty alleviation, particularly through Grameen Bank, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. However, his influence extends far beyond this prestigious achievement. His theories on microfinance and social business have been widely studied and implemented across the globe. His books continue to inspire change-makers worldwide. Several universities have appointed him as Chancellor in recognition of his contributions, and international organizations such as the United Nations seek his advice. His acceptance and respect span continents, from Asia and the Middle East to Europe, Africa, and the Americas, making him a rare global personality in today’s interconnected world. When Dr. Yunus took on the leadership of the country’s interim government, the global response was swift and positive. European Union, the United States, the World Bank, and various global agencies and international organizations expressed their support. This marked a sharp contrast to the previous global perception of Bangladesh, where concerns about governance, democracy, and development were often met with skepticism and criticism.

Under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the world is witnessing a new hope for Bangladesh's transformation into a dynamic and progressive nation. Thus, Bangladesh stands on the threshold of a new chapter in its history, with Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Professor of Chittagong University, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, at the helm. He is currently serving as the chief advisor to the interim government. Dr. Yunus’ innovative microfinance and social business models have empowered millions of people globally. He is not only a leader but also an internationally recognized visionary, whose theories, ideas, and concepts have reached people's homes from the pages of books, reshaping the economy and improving the living standards of marginalized communities.

For this reason, despite being an economist, he has earned the rare honor of the Nobel Peace Prize, bringing pride to Bangladesh. His transition from a global thought leader to the chief of the country’s interim government marks a crucial turning point for the nation, promising expected changes in multiple sectors. Over the past 15 years, he has faced various forms of harassment, with 172 cases filed against him. This has led to numerous questions about the country in the international arena. When a nation does not honor its intellectuals, it breeds negative perceptions about that country globally. Due to internal political dynamics, the then government, and some influential individuals' vendettas, Bangladesh has been deprived of benefiting from Dr. Yunus’ global stature. The individuals responsible for this, particularly those close to the government head and opposed to Dr. Yunus, should be identified and exposed, as this has caused significant harm to the country.

Because of this, the country has suffered immense damage. Now, almost two decades later, the tide has turned. At the call of the country's youth, Dr. Muhammad Yunus has emerged from a period of crisis and returned to the leadership of the nation. His leadership represents a second opportunity to implement reforms based on his ideas, which will take Bangladesh towards sustainable development and global prominence. The country’s growing youth population holds vast potential, if given the opportunity. Dr. Yunus' focus on job creation and entrepreneurship is inspired by his social business model. If this capitalizes on the country’s demographic dividend, it will reduce poverty and increase economic self-sufficiency.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus' vision extends beyond economic development. He has long advocated for a government focused on serving its people, increasing transparency, efficiency, and accountability. By promoting good governance and a people-friendly police force, he could help rebuild trust between the state and its citizens. A staunch believer in democratic principles, Dr. Yunus envisions a transformation of Bangladesh where democracy will flourish, and the people will be freed from the chains of bad politics. His stance will remain firm in fostering communal harmony among all religious and ethnic communities, with a goal of building a secular Bangladesh. One of the country’s greatest assets is its vast expatriate workforce. By focusing on skilled migration and training workers abroad to enhance their capabilities, Dr. Yunus will work towards promoting labor-friendly policies, thereby facilitating a significant influx of foreign remittance, which will play a crucial role in the country’s development.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus' leadership in climate resilience, from promoting sustainable agricultural practices to advocating for international climate financing, is crucial for securing the nation's future. Beyond domestic reforms, Dr. Yunus has the potential to elevate the country's position on the global stage and in regional leadership. His vision for a stronger and more effective South Asian Regional Cooperation (SAARC), modeled after the European Union, encourages regional cooperation and development. With support from international organizations like the European Union and the United Nations, Dr. Yunus aims to position Bangladesh as a leader in South Asia—not only economically but also as a peaceful, secular nation in the global context.

In a society, justice, equality, and dignity are essential for overall development and progress. To uphold these principles, democracy, equality, and justice must be safeguarded at any cost. Dr. Yunus is aware of the challenges ahead. He understands how to move the country forward and is committed to ensuring that it reaches its goals. To achieve this mission, he has our collective support and cooperation. We must ensure that no efforts to weaken his initiatives or engage in any conspiracies succeed. We must remember that the new identity of Bangladesh's youth has emerged as a new branding. There is no room for failure in realizing their dreams. The unity and sacrifice of students and the people of the country that toppled the brutal autocracy can overcome all conspiracies and challenges and lead the interim government to the pinnacle of success.

The freedom-loving people of the country expect the success of this government. They are firmly committed to standing united with the government in facing any challenges. Therefore, considering the sacrifices made by the people, the interim government must move forward with efficiency to uphold human rights for establishing good governance. Transparency is an abstract concept that allows people to perceive how policy decisions and actions are ethical and legitimate. In short, transparency is clarity. Good governance relies on transparency and accountability in government actions. Hence, transparency and accountability will be established when the government is able to inform the public about its actions, policies, and decisions. Therefore, it can be said that without accountability and transparency, establishing good governance is not possible.

Rayhan Ahmed Tapader: Researcher and Columnist