Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, addressed the nation on Victory Day, emphasizing the country’s commitment to democratic progress in light of threats from forces he labeled as fascist. He condemned attempts to intimidate the youth and disrupt the upcoming elections slated for February 12, 2026, reiterating that these attempts would be met with resilience.
Yunus highlighted recent violence, including an assassination attempt on independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, as part of a broader strategy to undermine the democratic journey of Bangladesh. He assured that the government was taking the incident seriously, pledging to bring those responsible to justice.
In his address, Yunus reflected on the sacrifices made during the Liberation War of 1971, noting that recent years had seen a rise in autocracy and fascism. He see the July mass uprising as a pivotal moment in re-establishing a just and democratic state. He expressed that defeated forces viewed the unarmed youth as obstacles and aimed to eliminate them to regain power.
Yunus also acknowledged the health concerns of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, assuring that her treatment was a priority for the interim government. He outlined the government’s commitment to justice for the July killings, necessary state reforms, and a fair electoral process.
Amidst efforts to repatriate former prime minister Sheikh Hasina for her alleged crimes, Yunus stressed the importance of a united approach in protecting democracy. He urged citizens to vote carefully and resist any obstruction to their rights, pushing for collective empowerment rooted in the spirit of the Liberation War.
