People Still Support Interim Govt, Election by June: CA to AL Jazeera

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said that the people of Bangladesh continue to view the interim government as a viable solution, adding that the administration remains committed to holding the most credible election in the country’s history—no later than June 2026.

In an interview with Al Jazeera during his recent visit to Doha, Prof Yunus dismissed suggestions that public support for the interim government was waning.

"They're not saying, ‘Let the interim government go, hold the election today.’ We haven’t encountered demands for an immediate handover,” he said. The interview, conducted at Al Jazeera’s headquarters, was released on April 27.

Responding to a question about the so-called “honeymoon period” being over, he reiterated that the timing of the election would hinge on the scope of reforms agreed upon by all stakeholders.

“If there is consensus on wide-ranging reforms, it will take more time. But if we agree on a scaled-down version, we could hold early elections in December,” he said. “However, we will not go beyond June 2026.”

Uncertainty Over Awami League Participation

Asked whether the Awami League will be allowed to contest the election, Prof Yunus said, “We don’t know yet—they haven’t made any declaration.” He added that the matter would involve the Election Commission and legal assessments once party positions are formalized.

Diaspora Backs Reforms, Praises Leadership

He noted that many Bangladeshi expatriates in Qatar have expressed strong support for reforms and praised the interim government’s leadership.

India Ties Require Dialogue, Not Division

Addressing concerns about relations with India, Prof Yunus rejected the idea that New Delhi was giving him the cold shoulder.

“I wouldn’t call it a cold shoulder—perhaps a temporary issue. It’s something we need to resolve together,” he said, stressing that India-Bangladesh ties should be among the closest in the region.

Asked if his visits to China and other countries signaled a shift, he replied, “I tried to visit India, but there was no response. So, I went to China. Now I’ll go to Malaysia.”

Warm Ties with US, Balanced Diplomacy

Prof Yunus emphasized that his government enjoys a strong relationship with the Trump administration and that Bangladesh is not being forced to choose between global powers.

“The USA is a good friend. China is a good friend. India is a good friend,” he said.

On Sheikh Hasina’s Claim and Presence in India

Commenting on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s claim that she remains the “rightful prime minister” and her continued stay in India, Prof Yunus said he had raised the issue with Indian PM Narendra Modi at the recent BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

“I told him clearly—if you want to keep her, that’s your choice. But while she’s there, she shouldn’t be making speeches that incite unrest in Bangladesh,” he said. According to Yunus, Modi responded by noting that social media in India is open and unrestricted.

When asked whether India was shielding Hasina from legal action, Yunus said, “We’ve sent a formal request to the Indian government to repatriate her. They haven’t replied yet. We are waiting for the court to issue a legal notice.”

Recovering Laundered Money

Yunus concluded by highlighting ongoing international cooperation to help Bangladesh recover money laundered abroad, noting that several foreign governments are providing assistance.