By: Dr Humayer Chowdhury, Sydney. The critics in talk shows on TV programs and in other various media are wrongly accusing the government of failing to act against sexual predators, murderers, and criminals. This blame is not only misplaced but also unjust. Under the leadership of Professor Mohammed Yunus, the government has been consistently swift and decisive, arresting offenders and placing them under judicial custody in every case. The role of punishment lies with the judiciary, not the executive. So why the unfounded attacks on a government that is trying to fulfilling its responsibilities with sincerity and urgency?
The government has already outlined the approximate roadmap for the upcoming election, announcing a tentative timeline, and the Election Commission (EC) has confirmed its intention to hold the elections in line with the government’s timeline. Should we prioritize the words of our head of government, or should we pay closer attention to the statements of his associates? We must stand united in support of the government, with the belief that they will honor their commitment.
Sadly, we live in a nation that often practices hypocrisy. While we preach unity, our actions reveal deep-seated division. From the moment the current government took charge, unfortunately many of us chose rebellion over cooperation, refusing to ally with Dr Yunus’s administration despite our willingness to do so.
This behavior plays directly into the hands of figures like the fallen dictator Hasina, who seizes every opportunity to sabotage our progress and drag the nation back into darkness. Do we truly want to return to those oppressive days? Now is the time for us to unite and support the government’s efforts to move the country forward, towards a democratically elected future.
Yes, the law and order situation has deteriorated, and we all know the root causes. This is not necessarily the government’s failure; rather, it stems from the collapse of the moral fabric within law enforcement agencies—a crisis that will take time to resolve. However, we are seeing improvements, and the moral integrity within these agencies is gradually being restored. Moreover, remnants of the previous regime still persist within the system, making it difficult to implement changes swiftly. The government cannot replace these individuals unless they have means to do so. The bottom line is that Professor Yunus government is working tirelessly to restore stability.
While we are quick to criticize, we remain hesitant to acknowledge the government’s positive steps. Since the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus assumed power in August 2024, several important developments have taken place, such as;
• International Relations: The government has gained strong international support due to Professor Yunus’ esteemed reputation. World leaders are eager to assist in various ways, strengthening Bangladesh’s global standing. The UNDP Secretary General’s visit to Bangladesh was a special honor dedicated to Dr. Yunus. Visa processing for nine European countries has been shifted from India to Bangladesh in honour of Professor Dr Mohammad Yunus enhancing accessibility.
• Energy Sector Reform: To enhance competition and reduce energy costs, the government has diversified suppliers, including major global firms like Shell, BP, Glencore, and Aramco, for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.
• Financial Sector Recovery: The government is addressing the collapse of the banking sector and foreign currency reserves. The European Investment Bank has expressed its intent to double its funding to Bangladesh to €2 billion, focusing on green energy, water safety, communications, and climate change projects, signaling renewed international confidence. Our esteemed NRB brothers have set a historic record this February by sending an unprecedented 31,094 crore taka in remittances, the highest ever in history! Remittances surged to an impressive 18.5 billion Taka, reflecting a remarkable increase of 4 billion Taka compared to last year. National reserves have reached a strong 2,140 crore Taka, bolstering economic stability. A substantial foreign debt repayment of 62 thousand crore Taka has been successfully made. February saw the lowest inflation rate in recent history, marking a milestone in economic progress.
• Government institutions Reforms: Significant reforms are underway to rebuild government institutions that were devastated by the previous regime. Efforts are being made to prosecute police involved in extrajudicial killings and dismantle secret detention centers, all aimed at restoring the rule of law and public trust.
• Human Rights and Democratic Processes: The government is prioritizing the restoration of democratic processes and addressing the human rights abuses of the past regime. Under the interim administration, people now have the freedom to speak out and demand accountability without fear of abduction or forced silence. Even the chief advisor is not above reproach. A decisive action has been taken to ensure that investigations into rape cases must be completed within 15 days of the occurrence, with the final judgment delivered within 90 days.
• Development Initiatives: The government is working on creating smart cities, advancing agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, and governance, and laying the groundwork for a technologically advanced and sustainable Bangladesh.
• Money Laundering Law: The interim administration is preparing to enact a special law to recover money laundered during the Sheikh Hasina regime. A significant recovery of 635 crore Taka has been made from Sheikh Hasina’s account already.
• Extradition Efforts: The government is actively working to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others back from India under the extradition treaty to face justice.
• Commodities Price: Initially, there was widespread outcry over the soaring prices of commodities. However, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Interim Government, prices have now significantly decreased, and even during Ramadan, prices remain well under control.
In conclusion, Professor Dr Yunus administration is working hard to restore the country’s stability, governance, and international standing. Therefore, rather than focusing on blames only, we should acknowledge the success and the efforts being made by the interim government and stand united in support of the government’s vision for a smooth transition to a democratically elected government.