United News of Bangladesh

Acting Ambassador of the European Union Dr Bernd Spanier has said the European Union will do its utmost to support the interim government in turning its vision into a reality. "EU stands ready to help," he said after meeting interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during a diplomatic briefing at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday. "Great privilege to see Prof Yunus today during a meeting with the diplomatic corps," the diplomat said in a brief message shared through X, previously known as Twitter. In his address to Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Professor Yunus said a new era has begun as the students impressed upon them their dream of a country where people, regardless of their political, religious or ethnic identity, will be able to fulfill their aspirations and enjoy full freedom of expression, with the government upholding democracy, justice and human rights and freedom of speech. Meanwhile, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Renggli said he was delighted to briefly meet Prof Yunus at the diplomatic event today. During the event, Prof Yunus addressed the priorities, opportunities and challenges facing the interim government. "We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Bangladesh in its quest for peace, prosperity, and economic empowerment for all its citizens," said the Ambassador.

Recent videos depicting burning buildings, violence, and women pleading for help have been circulated online, alleging a “Hindu genocide” in Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. The unrest began after student-led protests, which led to over 400 deaths, resulting in Hasina’s government collapsing and her fleeing to India on August 5. Clashes ensued, with violence targeting members of her Awami League party, composed of both Muslim and Hindu members. Far-right influencers, particularly from India, have spread misleading information and videos, falsely portraying the violence as “Islamist radicals attacking Hindus,” a BBC report says. For example, one viral post claimed that a Hindu temple in Chattogram was set on fire by Islamists. However, BBC Verify confirmed that the Navagraha Temple was unharmed; the fire actually occurred at a nearby Awami League office. Temple staff confirmed the temple was not attacked, though the situation remains tense. Other debunked posts include false claims about a Hindu cricketer’s house burning down, which actually belonged to a Muslim Awami League MP, and a school fire with political rather than religious motives. These false narratives have been driven by accounts predominantly based in India, which have fuelled misinformation. Inter-religious tensions in Bangladesh are not new, but they have intensified in the absence of effective law enforcement following Hasina’s departure. Professor Sayeed Al-Zaman, an expert in hate speech and disinformation in Bangladesh, told BBC that the spread of false information exacerbates these tensions, with fear-mongering inflaming the situation further. Some posts claiming Hindu persecution have spread globally, including by figures like Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who uses the name Tommy Robinson—a British far-right activist criticised for making inflammatory posts during the UK riots. One video shared by Robinson, claiming an Islamist attack, was later found to depict a dispute over land ownership rather than religious violence. Local students and residents clarified that the attack was politically motivated and involved both Hindu and Muslim individuals. Accurate understanding of the situation is complex, as real incidents of violence do exist but are often misrepresented as religious attacks. Reports from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and AFP indicate casualties among both Hindus and Muslims, with political affiliations often intertwined with the violence. In response to false claims, some Muslim protesters have taken steps to protect Hindu temples, countering attempts to incite conflict. Moinul, a local protester, emphasized their commitment to safeguarding temples and maintaining communal harmony, despite the efforts to drive a wedge between Hindus and Muslims.

Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation has said that the recent political unrest in Bangladesh is a clear expression for the people’s hunger for an inclusive, corruption-free, democratic government. In a letter to Interim Government’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Foundation Chairperson Cecilia L. Lazaro and President Susanna B. Afan said, “May this new chapter in your country’s history be defined by stability and not uncertainty; by equity not inequality; and with leadership that upholds the fundamental rights of the common man and not the select few.” “The global community is relieved that the violence and brutality that marked the protests have ended, resulting in the Interim Government which you now head,” the letter said. In his credo, President Ramon Magsaysay firmly said, “I believe that government starts at the bottom and moves upward, for government exists for the welfare of the masses of the nation... I believe that the highest leader in the state should set the example of a big heart, an honest mind, sound instincts, the virtue of healthy impatience and an abiding love for the common man.” “We at the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation offer our sincerest wishes of hope to your Interim Government and the peoples of Bangladesh,” the letter reads. Chief Adviser's press wing shared the letter with the media on Sunday.  

Highlighting the importance of required reforms, interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday conveyed to the international partners that they will hold a "free, fair participatory" election as soon as they can complete their "mandate" to carry out "vital reforms." “In their efforts to stay in power, the Sheikh Hasina dictatorship destroyed every institution of the country. Judiciary was broken. Democratic rights were suppressed through a brutal decade-and a half long crackdown,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters quoting him as conveying to the diplomats.  Shafiqul Alam briefed the media. Director General of the Public Diplomacy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Seheli Sabrin and Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir were also present. Over 50 diplomats including representatives of the UN agencies were present. While briefing the diplomats for the first time since the formation of interim government on August 5, Prof Yunus said he took over a country which was in many ways a complete mess. He put emphasis on required reforms in the Election Commission, judiciary, civil administration, security forces and media. The chief adviser said elections were rigged blatantly and generations of young people grew up without exercising their voting rights. “Banks were robbed with full political patronisation. And the state coffer was plundered by abusing power,” said Prof Yunus, adding that they will also make sincere efforts to promote national reconciliation. Prof Yunus said they will undertake robust and far-reaching economic reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and sustained growth, with priority attached to good governance and combating corruption and mismanagement. He said they will uphold and promote all their international legal obligations, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. "Our government will adhere to all international, regional and bilateral instruments it is a party to. Bangladesh shall continue to remain an active proponent of multilateralism, with the UN at the core," Prof Yunus said. He said the interim government will look forward to maintaining and enhancing Bangladesh’s contributions to the UN peacekeeping operations. On the Rohingya issue, he said their government will continue to support the million plus Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh. "We need sustained efforts of the international community for Rohingya humanitarian operations and their eventual repatriation to their homeland, Myanmar, with safety, dignity and full rights," Yunus said. Prof Yunus is encouraged by the words of support by their international friends and partners. "Our government will nurture friendly relations with all countries in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding and shared interests," he said. He called upon their trade and investment partners to maintain their trust in Bangladesh for economic prosperity. Prof Yunus said they won't tolerate any attempt to disrupt the global clothing supply chain in which they are a key player. “Bangladesh stands at the crossroads of a new beginning. Our valiant students and people deserve a lasting transformation of our nation. It is a difficult journey and we need your help along the way. We need to fulfill their aspirations. The sooner the better,” he said, adding that they have to create opportunities to build a poverty-free and prosperous new Bangladesh. “We believe all our friends and partners in the international community will stand by our government and people as we chart a new democratic future,” said Prof Yunus. Prof Yunus paid deep respect and homage to all those valiant students and innocent people who made the supreme sacrifice. “Students of no other countries in our recent memory had to pay so much a price for expressing their democratic aspirations, dreaming a discrimination-free, equitable and environmentally-friendly nation where human rights of every citizen are fully protected,” he said. Top priority of the Interim Government would be to bring the law and order situation under control. “We will be close to normalcy within a short period of time, with the unwavering support of our people and patriotic armed forces,” Prof Yunus said. The police force has also resumed their operations. The armed forces will continue to serve in aid of civil power as long as the situation warrants. “Our government remains pledge-bound to ensure safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups,” he said. He said they have also made it a priority to ensure justice and accountability for all the killings and violence committed during the recent mass uprising. Prof Yunus has spoken to the UN human rights Chief Volker Turk and welcomed the UN rights office's move to send a UN-led fact finding mission. “We want an impartial and internationally credible investigation into the massacre and subsequent due judicial processes. We will provide whatever support the UN investigators need,” he said. “The revolutionary students want us to carry meaningful and deep reforms, which will turn the country into a real and thriving democracy. The task is huge, but doable with the support of all people and the international community,” Prof Yunus said, adding that “We must succeed. We don’t have any other option.” The chief adviser said he has taken up the responsibility at the request of the students. He paid deep respect to those who made supreme sacrifices in the recent student movement. He sought the international community’s support to rebuild Bangladesh. He conveyed to the diplomats that it was the second revolution after 1971 and the previous government left the country in a “complete mess.” Prof Yunus said they want to build a poverty-free and prosperous Bangladesh, adding that they are now close to normalcy. He exchanged pleasantries with the diplomats at the event.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Achim Steiner has reaffirmed UNDP’s steadfast commitment to support the emerging national priorities of the interim government in Bangladesh. The administrator wished Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and the Advisory Council every success as Prof Yunus guides the nation through a "peaceful, just and democratic" transition, towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all people of Bangladesh. "As a friend, I wish you well on every step along the way and can not state enough my excitement as you take on this important role for your country," said the UNDP administrator. On behalf of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Administrator Steiner warmly congratulated Prof Yunus on his appointment as the chief adviser of the interim Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. "Please count on our global and regional networks and expertise in areas such as economic recovery and strengthening of institutions of governance to support Bangladesh in this period of critical transition," Steiner said. "Please count on our full support in particular on the ground through our UNDP Country Office in Bangladesh, headed by Stefan Liller," the Administrator added.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk is committed to supporting the Interim Government and people of Bangladesh in a successful transition that strengthens the protection of human rights, says a spokesperson. A team will visit Dhaka soon to discuss areas of support and the modalities for an investigation of human rights violations in the context of the recent violence and unrest, said the Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq at a regular briefing in New York on August 16. Volker Türk, and the country's interim government’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus discussed a "comprehensive range" of support that the UN Human Rights Office could provide to the Interim Government and the transition, including on accountability issues.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted his country’s “path-breaking initiatives” for the Global South and proposed a Global Development Compact for the Global South. He hoped that discussions held among the Global South partners would be duly reflected in the UN Summit of the Future. Prime Minister Modi chaired the inaugural “Leaders’ Session” of the 3rd “Voice of Global South Summit,” where Bangladesh interim government chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus joined virtually from Dhaka. He called for unity among the Global South partners to meet the aspirations of the two-third of humanity. PM Modi stressed the need for just and inclusive global governance, one that reflects the priorities of the Global South. The leaders exchanged perspectives on the priorities and concerns of the Global South. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to share its experiences and capabilities with the Global South. Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Prof Yunus to attend the summit. This was Prof Yunus's first multilateral engagement after taking oath as head of interim government. The inaugural session was held at Head of State/Government level and hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The theme of the Inaugural Leaders’ Session is the same as the overarching theme of the Summit, "An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future.”

Interim Government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said they must place the youth and students, who constitute a significant portion of the Global South’s population, at the heart of their strategies.  "Two thirds of our population are youth. They are the most powerful segment of society. They are different. They are committed to creating a new world," he said while speaking at the inaugural “Leaders’ Session” of the third “Voice of Global South Summit” on Saturday.  Joining the Summit virtually from Dhaka, Prof Yunus Yunus, who was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for his work developing microcredit markets, said the youth and students are capable and they are technologically far ahead of the previous generation. "They can make all the impossible possible. They are entrepreneurial. Jobs they want, not because they enjoy it but because there is nothing else available, just because they are prepared by an education system in all our countries to get ready for jobs," Prof Yunus said.  Prof Yunus, known as the “banker to the poorest of the poor” said their creative capacities are forgotten.  "Yet, all human beings are born as creative beings. They are natural entrepreneurs. But our education system and financial system are built only for creating job seekers and providing jobs for them," Prof Yunus said.  He said they have to redesign their system and hoped that they can do it together in the global south, which is rich with a fantastically creative young population.  Combining entrepreneurship with social business can create miracles, Prof Yunus said, adding that they would like to propose some common facilities in the global south to take concrete steps to unleash the creativity and energy of the young population through social business. Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Prof Yunus to attend the Summit.  This was Prof Yunus's first multilateral engagement after taking oath as head of interim government.  The inaugural session was held at Head of State/Government level and hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  The theme of the Inaugural Leaders’ Session is the same as the overarching theme of the Summit, "An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”.  Prof Yunus invited leaders of the global south to work together for creating social businesses to address all environmental and social problems. “It can become a massive force if we work together.” Prof Yunus said being old should not mean that “you have to retire, withdraw yourself from economic activities.” He said human creativity never stops on a date fixed by the state. “It doesn’t stop until the last breath. We may work together to see how to make societies supportive of the creativity of all people as long as they live.” The Nobel laureate said young generations have impressed upon the people their aspirations for a revolutionary change, restoration of all institutions of the state to ensure democracy and human rights through a meaningful reform. “Our government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an environment in which free, fair and participatory elections can be held,” he said. Prof Yunus said their task is now to carry out vital reforms in their electoral system, judiciary, local government, media, economy and education. “I invite you to visit Dhaka soon. Otherwise you may miss something important. Much of Dhaka has turned into the graffiti capital of the world,” he said, adding that young students and children  aged as young as 12-13 have been painting the walls of this 400 year old city with images of a “new democratic” environment- friendly Bangladesh.  The Chief Adviser said there is no central planning or guidance for that. “No budget support from anybody. It is just an outpouring of their emotions and commitment to the goals of the Second Revolution.” He said they approach the shopkeepers to buy paints and brushes for them, they make up their own subject and own messages. “Messages they are painting will thrill anybody. Anybody can read in them what the youth are dreaming of. It is our job to make their dreams come true.” In 1952, the Bangladeshi students sacrificed their lives for their mother tongue. It inspired struggles for the right to speak in mother language all over the world. Some seven decades later our students-led Second Revolution is inspiring youth throughout the global south to raise their voice for democracy, human rights, dignity, equality and shared prosperity.  “I am honoured to be the oldest ‘young person’ to take part in this revolution and help them make their dreams come true. They need support from all of you. Wish them all the success,” Prof Yunus said.  This unique initiative began as an extension of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’, and is underpinned by India's philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.  It envisages bringing together countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform across a whole range of issues.  India had hosted the 1st Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) on 12-13 January 2023 and the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit on 17 November 2023, both in virtual format.  Both the previous editions of the Summit saw participation of over 100 countries from the Global South. 

Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof has written to interim government’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and said that he looks forward to supporting the Prof Yunus-led interim government and further deepening cooperation between the two countries.  The Dutch Prime Minister extended his best wishes on the establishment of Bangladesh's interim government.  "I wish you every success in the important yet difficult transitional tasks that lie ahead," he said.  These include restoring law and order, ensuring accountability and preparing Bangladesh for democratic elections. "Our countries enjoy long-standing and cordial bilateral ties," said the Dutch Prime Minister. 

The South Korean government hopes that the inauguration of Bangladesh’s interim government will lead to the swift restoration of peace and order in Bangladesh. South Korea looks forward to working with the interim government to move Korea-Bangladesh relations forward, said the Spokesperson at the South Korean Foreign Ministry.