Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus: No room for Islamic extremism in Bangladesh

Dr Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of the interim government, has commented that Islamic extremism will not find a place in Bangladesh.

Highlighting the impartial attitude of the youth regarding religion, he said that they aspire to rebuild the country anew.

Dr Yunus made these remarks during an interview with The Economist, a renowned British magazine. The video of the interview was published on The Economist's website on Friday. 

Bangladesh has been named The Economist's "Country of the Year" for 2024.

This honour is not based on happiness or wealth but rather on the country that has made the most progress over the past 12 months.

The selection of Bangladesh as the "Country of the Year" highlighted the fall of Sheikh Hasina's autocratic government due to a student-led popular uprising and the beginning of a new chapter for the nation. 

The Economist's foreign editor, Patrick Foulis, interviewed Dr Yunus following this recognition.

Starting the conversation, Foulis congratulated Dr Yunus on Bangladesh's recognition and asked for his reaction.

Dr Yunus said: "We are delighted, extremely proud. We have indeed brought about a significant change. The uprising was sparked by students. Since then, we have been saying that we want to build a new Bangladesh." 

Foulis then asked about warnings from US and Indian officials regarding the risk of Islamic extremism returning to Bangladesh.

Dr Yunus reassured them, stating that such a situation is unlikely. He emphasized the enthusiasm of the country's youth, their impartial stance on religion, and their commitment to building a new Bangladesh. 

Dr Yunus described the youth as a driving force behind the recent popular uprising and said: "Let us focus on the youth, especially young women. Women played a crucial role in the uprising. They stood in the frontlines, just like any other youth in the country. We should focus on our young men and women and ensure that their dreams come true." 

He also emphasized the competence of the youth, pointing out that three young leaders of the uprising have been included in the interim government's cabinet.

"They are now cabinet members and are doing remarkable work. They are not from the last century but are truly young people of this century," he said. 

When asked about his plans after the elections in Bangladesh, Dr Yunus said: "Frankly, I was removed from my work. I was forcibly brought into this role. I was enjoying my work, which is why I was in Paris. I was taken away from Paris to do something different. So, I would be happy to return to the work I have always done and enjoyed."