Interim government Chief Adviser and Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has made it clear that he has no intention of joining Bangladesh’s next elected government.
Speaking at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London’s Chatham House, Yunus emphasised his interim government’s sole responsibility: ensuring a smooth transition to a democratically elected administration.
“No, absolutely not. None of our cabinet members are interested in becoming part of the next government. Our priority is to ensure that the elections are conducted properly,” Yunus said during the Q&A session, as reported by state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).
The 84-year-old economist has been at the helm of the interim government since August last year, following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
His announcement of national elections by April 2026 has sparked reactions across Bangladesh’s political spectrum.
During the session, Yunus critiqued Hasina’s Awami League, questioning its legitimacy as a political entity due to allegations of corruption, enforced disappearances, and violence against citizens.
These remarks come as Hasina, ousted after a wave of student-led protests, faces numerous legal challenges in the country.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed timeline for elections.
The BNP has called for polls by December 2025, reflecting growing impatience among opposition groups.
ALSO READ: Green Mizoram Day celebrated with focus on afforestation, climate action
Yunus, who is on a visit to the UK from June 10-13, is also scheduled to meet King Charles and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
His trip underscores efforts to strengthen Bangladesh’s international ties amid domestic political turbulence.
The announcement of elections, paired with Yunus’s strong stance on a neutral interim role, signals his focus on upholding electoral integrity while navigating a fraught political landscape.
