Yunus: Grand conspiracy underway to undermine interim govt

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has urged the nation to unite against conspirators who, he claims, are working on a "grand plan" to undermine the interim government and create divisions within it. 

In his address to the nation on Sunday to mark 100 days of governance, Yunus alleged that leaders of the deposed Awami League government, who had laundered vast sums of money, were actively seeking to destabilize the administration and trying to return to power with their ill-gotten wealth.

The chief adviser said the process of organizing elections was underway, adding that once electoral reforms were finalized, a detailed election roadmap would will be shared with the public. 

However, he noted that the election might be delayed by a few months to accommodate necessary reforms.

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Yunus, assumed power on August 8 following the fall of the government of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid a student-led mass uprising.

In his pre-recorded address, Yunus said a massive global and domestic plan was being executed every moment to render the interim government ineffective and dysfunctional. 

“A key tactic of theirs is to sow discord among us. Leaders of the fallen government, enriched with money looted from this country, are plotting their return. Do not let them succeed under any circumstances."

On the topic of elections, he said many were eager to know when the elections would take place. “Rest assured, it is a priority for us. We have already started taking steps toward this goal. Within a few days, the Election Commission will be formed, after which the responsibility for organizing the elections will rest with them."

The chief adviser emphasized that the interim government's responsibilities extended beyond merely forming an Election Commission. "Reforming the state system is one of this government's key commitments. You have entrusted us with this mandate. The six reform commissions we established at the beginning of our tenure have already made significant progress."

He called on citizens to share their vision for the upcoming general election and to participate actively in discussions. "Speak openly about what you want to see in the elections. Express your views without hesitation," he said.

In addition to election-related discussions, Yunus urged the public to support the interim government's broader reform agenda. "I request you to talk about reforms alongside elections. Do not overlook reforms. When discussing elections, also address the necessary reforms in governance and other areas. Reforms are the long-term lifeblood of the nation," he added.