The Awami League has not been banned, but the Election Commission (EC) will decide on the party’s participation in the elections, said Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor to the interim government.
BBC Bangla published an important interview with the chief advisor on Saturday (June 21). The interview was conducted by journalist Rajini Vaidyanathan.
In response to a journalist’s question, Dr. Yunus said that the Awami League has not been banned. Their activities have been temporarily suspended, including the elections. Whether the party will participate in the elections or not depends on the decision of the Election Commission. It is entirely their prerogative.
The journalist wanted to know, if Sheikh Hasina’s party does not participate in the elections, will the elections be inclusive and participatory? In response, Dr. Yunus said that the UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka recently explained it very well. Inclusive does not mean a specific party, but the participation of all people. If people can vote, then that is an inclusive election.
In the interview, the chief advisor was asked how Sheikh Hasina will be brought back from India to face trial? In response, Dr. Yunus said, the trial has started. It is an ongoing process. We want her to face trial through legal process. We will follow international procedures to bring her back. The way the accused are brought back, it will be done. It is a completely legal process. We have no power to catch her.
In response to the question of why Professor Yunus is not taking more initiative on the Rohingya crisis, he said, we are trying to solve our own internal problems. It is the responsibility of the international community.
Professor Yunus also said, I am trying my best. I visited the Rohingya camps with the UN Secretary-General and met more than one lakh Rohingyas, discussed what should be done, and appealed to the world for help in their return. In that case, repatriation is the only solution. Everyone is now busy only with food and other assistance, but no one is talking about how they can be sent back to their own country.
