Yunus expresses resolve for quick reforms, election

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has expressed his determination to quickly advance reforms and hold an election.

Yunus made the statement in an interview with the Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD while in New York and published on Sunday.

He became chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government after the administration of Sheikh Hasina collapsed in August after 15 years in power, following student-led protests.

Yunus is the founder of Grameen Bank, which extends small unsecured loans to underprivileged people. He and the bank won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.

In the interview, Yunus said the interim government's job is to carry out reform as quickly as possible, and that the government will hold an election as soon as it is ready.

"Failure is not something that we can accept," he said.

Referring to students, who played a major role in the overthrow of the Hasina government, Yunus said young people gave their lives during what he called the revolution.

He indicated his stance on including the young generation in policymaking.

The chief adviser said Bangladesh looks forward to support from its biggest donor Japan "during this very critical period. "

He emphasized that Japan's cooperation is essential in rebuilding his country's economy and helping democracy take root there.