Bangladesh needs comprehensive reforms in economy, governance, bureaucracy, judiciary: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has said his government pledges to hold the national election only after ushering in constitutional and judicial reforms, including an electoral overhaul.

 

In an interview with Japanese newspaper Nikkei Asia, published on its website on Monday, Yunus said, "We need comprehensive reforms in the economy, governance, bureaucracy and judiciary [before holding elections]." 

He remarked that the previous regime, led by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, destroyed everything in the country.

Bangladesh's interim government has established several commissions to promote reforms in areas such as the electoral system, constitution and judiciary, the Nikkei report quoted him as saying.

Prof Yunus said the government would implement full-scale reforms after receiving recommendations from those commissions by January.

He said, "Implementing these reforms will take time, as we are essentially building a 'new Bangladesh' from scratch."

Asked if he would run in the election, he rejected the idea, saying, "No, I'm not a politician. I've always stayed away from politics."

"Individuals who uphold principles, follow rules and procedures, and are free from corruption" should stand for election", he added.