This week and next, the Support Yunus Campaign is in Bangladesh, assessing the progress of the Interim Government and the attitudes of people from all walks of life about how much things have changed since August 5 and what the future holds.
A very unscientific sampling of intellectuals, taxi drivers, rickshaw pullers, professionals, retired Bangladeshi diplomats and civil servants, and tea stall owners gives the impression that people are pleased with the change of government while also concerned about inflation, continue to have patience with the Interim Government (and acknowledge that they inherited a mess), are proud of having a charismatic, pragmatic, and non-partisan Nobel laureate heading the government, and support the reforms being pursued by the government prior to holding elections. The Awami League and especially its recent leaders are disgraced, and people are determined to have the billions of dollars they stole returned even if some of them doubt how likely that is. (According to one estimate by Transparency International Bangladesh, the amount looted may have been $15 billion per year for 14 years.) There is wariness about how those stolen billions will be used to try to destabilize the current government, and future governments.
Relations with India remain sensitive. A positive development was the publication of an article by the renowned Indian-American business leader Vinod Khosla in The Wire titled, “With Yunus at the Helm, Bangladesh Reaching its Potential is in India’s Best Interest.” It was later republished by UNB and Prothom Alo English. Khosla argues that Yunus, whom he has known for decades, is leading the country far more effectively than his critics give him credit for. Furthermore, he makes that case that Yunus’ success is good for India.
Another important and thoughtful article was published by Al Jazeera. It was titled, “Muhammad Yunus can go down in history as the architect of a new Bangladesh.” It contains a well-researched analysis of countries that have gone through similar transitions and what lessons can be gleaned from them by the Interim Government. Towards the end of the article it hits an especially hopeful note, saying, “It is unrealistic to expect any new government to produce satisfactory reforms in all areas and a perfect democracy overnight, especially after decades of authoritarian rule… [I]f Professor Yunus gets it right, draws from the successful experience of other countries, and lays the foundations for a robust democracy in Bangladesh, he could become a Mandela-like inspirational figure, and provide other countries in South Asia, where civic freedoms are widely repressed, with a regional example of a successful post-revolutionary transition. Many in the international community stand ready to support him.”
Certainly the Interim Government has its thoughtful critics, and they have been able to express their views freely. But there are also those who are spreading lies, half-truths, and distortions to confuse people and destabilize the government. Fortunately, investigative journalists and volunteer fact checkers are stepping up to challenge these ignoble efforts. For example, Netra News published an investigation into the deaths of nine Hindus that was previously linked to communal violence – claims that did not stand up to scrutiny. (It bears mentioning that even one death from violence is one too many, but that blaming the Interim Government without evidence is wrong.) And as noted in our previous post, a service called Rumor Scanner that is active on Twitter/X has debunked dozens of false stories about what is going on in Bangladesh since August.
Most recently, U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump posted a message sending greetings to American Hindus on the occasion of their annual Diwali festival. Unfortunately, lobbyists hired by the U.S.-based son of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (and other advocates) convinced him to include false accusations against Bangladesh in the greeting. Take it from Support Yunus and its team on the ground in Bangladesh: there is no “chaos” here (beyond what is typical for Bangladesh in recent decades), and the idea of systemic “barbaric” attacks on minorities is fictitious (despite some lawlessness that is impacting everyone). Addressing that lawlessness, Professor Yunus has deployed the army to work alongside the police, and the early signs are that it is helping to improve security.
Professor Yunus ‘ press secretary immediately released a strong and measured statement responding to Trump’s message.
We urge people of goodwill everywhere to share the positive stories coming out of Bangladesh and to consider contributing to the July Martyrs Memorial Fund once we make it possible for people around the world to donate while receiving tax benefits in their home countries.
Systematic efforts to destabilize the Interim Government are likely to continue regardless of how the U.S. presidential election plays our next week. We are reassured, however, that people, journalists, and leaders throughout the world are stepping up to shine lights on the truth and on the positive work of the Interim Government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus.
