100 days of interim govt: Not just election, speak of reforms too, says Yunus

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said a list of 150 influential individuals accused of corruption and money laundering has been prepared and investigations are already underway against 79 of them.

"As you know, the fallen government and its cronies have smuggled $12-15 billion out of the country every year. Anti-corruption organisation Transparency International Bangladesh recently provided this information. We have taken all possible initiatives to recover this money that has been smuggled," Yunus said in his address to the nation yesterday.

"If we succeed in this work, our economy will get more thrust. We are taking the help of various international aid organisations in this work," he said in his televised address.

Yunus urged everyone to express their views on the election and reforms, while asking for patience to allow the interim government to complete necessary changes before holding polls to transfer power to an elected government.

"I request you to be patient. We would like to create an electoral system that will be followed for ages. As a result, our country will be saved from the annual political crisis," he said in an address to the nation on 100 days of the interim government yesterday evening.

The chief adviser said the interim government has maintained regular communication with political parties and is seeking their opinions on various issues.

Infograph: TBS

"These opinions are significantly reflected in the government's decision-making process, and each of their views is actively considered in the ongoing reform efforts," he said.

During the speech, the chief adviser outlined the actions taken by the interim government during its 100-day tenure to stabilise the country's law and order situation and economy.

He said the government is taking legal measures against those who plundered and laundered money during the Awami League period.

Mentioning that the government will bring justice to those involved in killings during the July Uprising, he said, "The efforts we have made to seek justice for the July-August killings are progressing well. We will also demand the repatriation of the fallen dictator, Sheikh Hasina, from India."

The chief adviser also highlighted the government's efforts to honour the spirit of the July Uprising, including providing medical care to the injured and assistance to the families of martyrs.

"Each martyr's family will get Tk30 lakh from the government," he said.

'Reforms are the long-term lifeblood of the nation'

Regarding reforms, Muhammad Yunus said, "We do not believe that simply forming an Election Commission completes our responsibility in organising elections. Reforming the state system is one of the key commitments of our government. It is you [people] who have given us this mandate."

"Reforms are the long-term lifeblood of the nation. Reforms will give the nation, especially our youth, an opportunity to create a new world. Do not deprive the nation," he added.

He said the recommendations of the reform commission, opinions of political parties and people of the country were essential to organising elections.

"For this, I am asking you for the necessary time. Once the decision on electoral reforms is made, you will also get the election roadmap very soon.

"The electoral law will have to be amended based on which part of these recommendations is acceptable to everyone. In parallel, the process of updating the voter list will continue," the chief adviser said.

He said the interim government has been formed to bring politics into the policy framework and out of the intense desire to create a new environment. 

"Do not deprive the nation of fulfilling this desire," he said.

"The election train has started its journey. It will not stop. But we have to complete many tasks on the way. When this train reaches the last station will depend on how soon we can lay the railway lines for it and that will be through the consensus of the political parties."

He also said, "We have started taking necessary steps to organise elections. The Election Commission will be formed in a few days. From then on all the responsibility of organising the election will fall on them."

The Election Commission can undertake other tasks, including updating the voter list, which are directly related to a free election, he added. 

"For the first time, the government is working to enable expatriate Bangladeshis to exercise their right to vote through postal ballot," he further added.

'Economy has regained strength'

A hundred days ago, we started from a state of economic turmoil, but that is now a thing of the past. Over these hundred days, the economy has regained strength.

On the country's foreign reserves, he said, "Over the past three months, we have repaid nearly $2 billion in foreign debt without touching our reserves. Additionally, we have reduced outstanding payments for fuel imports from $478 million to $160 million."

"We are making every effort to revive the economy. The World Bank, IMF, and other donor organisations have already pledged nearly $8 billion in loans and grants, which will help stabilize our fragile economy."

The chief adviser said, "The ousted government left us with a dire economic situation, making it challenging for the National Board of Revenue to boost revenue collection. Yet, despite these difficulties, revenue collection grew by nearly 9% from the negative state in July to October."

Mentioning the government's effort to control labour unrest in the RMG sector, he said, "We managed to resolve labour unrest without any major violence, allowing workers to return to production. As a result, Bangladesh's export-oriented industry has revived."

Dr Yunus said ahead of the upcoming Ramadan, various government authorities are holding regular meetings with traders to ensure a stable supply and prices of essential goods.

"We are transparent about commodity prices, and all inflation data is being presented to the public. To curb inflation, several policy measures have been taken, including setting high interest rates, removing LC limits on grain imports, and streamlining the supply chain," he said.

"Efforts are underway to curb extortion in the transportation sector, which we hope will help reduce market prices," Dr Yunus added.

The chief adviser further said fuel prices have been reduced slightly, and steps have been taken to increase gas supply to factories to prevent disruptions in local production and protect exports.

1,500 dead, around 20,000 injured in mass uprising

Dr Yunus said around 1,500 students and workers were martyred during the mass uprising.

"Our government is meticulously collecting data on every death. Around 19,931 people were injured in this revolution."

He said arrangements have been made for the treatment of the injured at various specialised hospitals, including 13 in Dhaka.

"Every day, new martyrs are added to the list, having lost their lives due to the tyranny of dictatorship. We'll ensure that every murder is prosecuted. The initiative we have taken to bring those responsible for the July-August murders to trial is progressing well," the chief adviser said.

He said the probe commission investigating allegations of enforced disappearances has reported at least 1,600 cases as of October, occurring during the Awami League government, and the number could surpass 3,500.

19,084 officials promoted in 100 days

A total of 19,084 government officers and employees have been promoted in 100 days since the interim government took charge, Yunus said.

He said these promotions have been given at various levels to speed up government activities.

Also, 13,429 people have been transferred and disciplinary action has been taken against 12,636 people, he added.