Anarchy and violence are hurdles to development, and those engaging in criminal activities must be stopped, asserted Dr. Prof. Muhammad Yunus, the designated chief adviser of the forthcoming government.
“I have been informed that acts of vandalism and violence are rampant in the country. All kinds of attacks, including those targeting minorities, must come to an end. These attacks are part of a conspiracy and have no affiliation with us,” Dr. Yunus remarked during a press conference he held after arriving at Dhaka airport today (8 August).
Upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Prof. Yunus was received by Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan. The coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement was also present at the scene.
‘Bangladesh Achieved Independence for the Second Time’
Referring to the events of Monday (5 August) as a moment of national pride, Dr. Yunus stated, “I extend my gratitude to the younger generation for safeguarding and rejuvenating our nation. We have achieved independence for the second time, and it is our duty to preserve this renewed freedom.”
Highlighting that the revolution has paved a new way to victory for Bangladesh, he added, “We must carry this momentum forward with even greater resolve.”
Dr. Yunus stressed the importance of protecting the nation’s independence and ensuring that its benefits are shared by all citizens.
“Freedom without fair distribution is meaningless. The independence of Bangladesh signifies a deep transformation—a shift in the people, opportunities, and the direction of future generations,” Yunus elaborated.
He conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the youth, the architects of this victory.
“They were the saviors who gave birth to a new nation. We must ensure that Bangladesh advances rapidly,” he added.
‘The Country Is Now in the Hands of the Young People’
Dr. Yunus declared, “The country is now in the hands of the youth. I urge them to rebuild the nation according to their vision, so that the world looks at us and learns how to rise from adversity. We need to overhaul our state structure and eliminate all elements of fear, so that people can trust that the state exists to protect them.”
He continued, “I call upon the youth to embrace the new and let go of the old. We will not achieve true freedom by clinging to the past. This principle applies not only to Bangladesh but to the entire world. Channel your energy and creativity. It is about expression, not mere establishment.”
Prof. Yunus emphasized that the youth have accomplished remarkable feats, and now it is time to put those achievements to practical use. “We must revamp the entire system,” he said.
Yunus Vows to Move Forward Together, Bring About Change
Expressing his desire to move forward collectively, Dr. Yunus vowed to dispel all confusions, asserting, “Anarchy and violence are obstacles to development, and we must restrain those responsible for these crimes.”
During the briefing, the Nobel laureate shared his vision of restructuring law enforcement agencies, stating, “We will rebuild our law enforcement institutions in such a manner that we can look up to them and follow their guidance.”
“The journey begins today,” Yunus concluded.
Dr. Prof. Muhammad Yunus also committed to reforming Bangladesh’s state structure, emphasizing his dedication to transforming the interim government into a people-centered institution.
‘Abu Sayed Is in the Hearts of All’
In an emotionally charged environment, the Nobel laureate, in a heartfelt speech, recalled the sacrifices made by students whose protests were brutally suppressed by the Sheikh Hasina-led government, resulting in over 250 deaths.
He spoke specifically about Abu Sayeed, who was fatally shot by police in Rangpur, breaking down in tears during the press conference at Dhaka airport on 8 August.
“Abu Sayeed’s image is etched in the hearts of every Bangladeshi. No one will ever forget it. This incredibly brave youth stood in front of the guns. His courage sparked a fire that has never been extinguished. Inspired by his example, no youth accepted defeat and continued to march forward,” he said.
“They [the youth] questioned how many bullets the authorities could fire. We will not waver from our commitment to spread the message in every household so that everyone understands the meaning of our new independence,” he concluded.