Election timing political decision, people to decide about exit

Urging national unity in building a fair future with equitable rights for all, interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus Sunday said election timing is completely a political decision and the people are to decide about their exit.

Speaking in a televised address, Prof Yunus said all necessary steps had been taken to restore normalcy in the flood-affected regions of Bangladesh.

He emphasized the importance of both domestic and regional cooperation to tackle such crises in the future.

"We are one family. We have one goal," Prof Yunus declared. "We are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our youth, and we are ready to take on this challenge."

He called on the nation to support these efforts wholeheartedly, stressing the need to focus on long-term solutions rather than seeking immediate fixes or resorting to vigilante justice.

During his speech, the Nobel Peace Laureate also revealed plans to establish a 'July Mass Killing Memorial Foundation'. This marked his second national address since assuming the role of Chief Adviser on August 8.

Prof Yunus said after the fascist government left the country in the face of a popular movement, they want to build a country where the human rights of every citizen will be fully protected.

"Our goal is one-a liberal, democratic, non-discriminatory, non-communal Bangladesh. We are one family. We have one goal. We are committed to not let any differences hinder our dreams," he said.

Prof Yunus notes that only two weeks have passed by since the current government assumed responsibility. "Thank you very much for the support I am getting from you in the first stage of the work of reforming the state."

He said they understand that people's expectations from the government are high and they are determined to fulfil this expectation.

Fifteen years of "fascist rule" left a mountain of challenges in almost every area, Prof Yunus said.

"But we are ready to accept this challenge. Today, I have come before you to seek your prayers and cooperation on behalf of the government. I will only say, you have to be patient."

The interim government has already started various reforms, he said.

"Political decisions will come from political discussions. If we do not get this direction, we cannot move forward firmly in discussions with donor organizations and international economic institutions," he said.

He explains that the advisers have taken this responsibility at the call of students during the country's crisis. "We will fulfil this responsibility with all our strength. Our advisory board is also motivated by this goal and everyone is working as a team."

He said, "When the election will be held is a completely political decision, not our decision. The countrymen have to decide when you want us to leave."

The students are their primary appointers and the vast public of the country has supported their appointment, said Prof Yunus made it clear, in an implicit reference to talk about their tenure and poll roadmap. He said they will constantly remind everyone about this so that the question does not suddenly arise when they will leave.

The Election Commission will also be reformed, said the head of interim government.

He said that the Election Commission aims to prepare for a model election at any time.

According to the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, the ongoing floods have stranded at least 10 lakh families across 73 upazilas in 11 districts as of Sunday afternoon. While no new fatalities were reported by 3 pm today, two individuals remain missing in Moulvibazar. The overall death toll stands at 18, with 52,09,798 people affected across Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Noakhali, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, Laxmipur, and Cox's Bazar.

The ministry detailed that of the 18 deaths, four occurred in Cumilla, one in Feni, five in Chattogram, three in Noakhali, one each in Brahmanbaria and Laxmipur, and three in Cox's Bazar. A total of 10,47,029 families have been impacted by the floods, which span 545 municipalities and unions.

Amid the crisis, at least 4,15,273 people have sought refuge in 3,654 shelter centers, where 22,298 domestic animals are also being housed. The government has deployed 748 medical teams to provide essential healthcare services in the affected areas.

In response to the disaster, the government has allocated Tk 3.52 crore to the 11 flood-hit districts, alongside 20,650 tonnes of rice, 15,000 packages of dry food, baby food, and fodder valued at Tk 35 lakh each.

Private organizations, businesses, and the general public have also joined the relief efforts. Deputy commissioners in the flood-affected areas have been instructed to coordinate with various stakeholders, including the coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, the army, navy, medical teams, and other volunteers.

Prof Muhammad Yunus said they invited the head of United Nations Human Rights Commission to come to Bangladesh to start their investigation to ensure a transparent probe into the tragic incidents of use of force and casualties during the popular uprising in July-August.

"This process of investigation will start this week. Their first team (primary team) has already arrived," he said.

Prof Yunus said they had already withdrawn most of the false and harassing cases filed to thwart the student revolution and arranged for the release of the detained students.

Families of all martyrs will be rehabilitated and justice will be ensured, he said, adding that the government will bear the full medical expenses of all the injured students and the public.

For that purpose, a complete list is being prepared with the help of two advisers representing the anti-discrimination student movement in the Advisory Council under the leadership of the Ministry of Health.

For these activities and to preserve the memory of the martyrs of the mass uprising, he said, the government quickly finalized the process of establishing a 'July Mass Killing Memorial Foundation'.

"All of you, and our brothers and sisters living abroad are requested to send donations to this organization. I have personally accepted the post of chairman of this organization," he said.

The team from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, led by Chief of the Asia-Pacific section Rory Mungoven, will be visiting Dhaka until August 29 for preliminary discussions with the interim government and other stakeholders.

The UN OHCHR team currently in Dhaka is engaging with the interim government, advisers, ministries, civil society, and a broad section of Bangladesh's society to understand the country's priorities for promoting human rights.

The team is also exploring how the Office of the High Commissioner can assist in fact-finding and investigations, supporting national processes as they move forward.

After his meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday, Rory Mungoven said they are in Dhaka to hold some preliminary and exploratory discussion with the interim government and see how their office can support the interim government and people of Bangladesh at this historic time.

"We see this is a historic opportunity for the country in restoring democracy, renewing institutions and advancing human rights," he said.

Rory Mungoven said they would like to hear Bangladesh's priorities and its needs going forward and explore some areas where the office could assist.

This is in response to a request from the interim government. Once the details are finalized, a separate fact-finding team will be dispatched in the coming weeks to conduct the investigation.