Photo : Messenger
In an atmosphere charged with hope and emotion, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Laureate and newly-appointed chief adviser of the interim government, delivered a powerful message to the youth of Bangladesh as he arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on August 8, 2024. Reflecting on the sacrifices made by brave students whose protests against the government resulted in tragedy, Dr. Yunus called upon the nation's young people to take ownership of their future and rebuild their beloved country.
In an evocative speech, the esteemed economist honoured those who lost their lives in the struggle for justice and democracy, stating, "The country is now in the hands of the young people." He urged the youth to design a nation that embodies their aspirations, where fear is dismantled, and governance serves the people. “We need to change our state structure and remove all elements of fear,” he proclaimed, envisioning a future where Bangladesh is viewed by the world as a beacon of resilience and determination.
The arrival of Dr. Yunus was met with warm welcomes from key military leaders, including Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan. The presence of coordinators from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement underscored the collective spirit of reform and progress that is sweeping across the nation. The bonds forged among these leaders amplify the message that collaboration is essential for ushering in transformative change.
Dr. Yunus passionately urged young individuals to "embrace the new and let go of the old,” emphasising that mere reflection on the past will not yield freedom. “Harness your energy and creativity,” he implored, defining this moment in history as fundamentally about expression rather than establishment. The message resonates beyond Bangladesh; it serves as a universal call for the youth to harness their potential and foster innovation in a world that often feels stagnant.
With sincerity in his voice, Dr. Yunus acknowledged the remarkable accomplishments of the youth thus far, calling it the time to leverage those successes for the betterment of society. “We must overhaul the entire system,” he asserted, recognising that creating meaningful change requires comprehensive reform across all sectors.
In his address, Dr. Yunus addressed the issues of anarchy and violence that confront Bangladesh’s development. “Anarchy and violence are impediments to progress, and those committing crimes must be stopped,” he declared, advocating for unity against acts of aggression that threaten peace and stability. He expressed dismay at recent attacks against marginalised communities and denounced these actions as conspiratorial in nature, devoid of connection to the aspirations of the people.
With deep conviction, Dr. Yunus described the events of August 5 as a moment of pride, emphasising the resilience of the nation's youth in reclaiming their independence. "We’ve achieved independence for the second time, and we have to preserve this newfound freedom,” he noted, envisioning a Bangladesh characterised by equal opportunity, social justice, and progress for all. “Freedom without equitable distribution is meaningless,” he asserted, highlighting the need for transformational change that benefits every individual in society.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude towards the youth, Dr. Yunus hailed them as the architects of a renewed Bangladesh. Their courageous actions have not only reshaped the political landscape but have also reignited the collective spirit of a nation yearning for change. “They were the saviors who gave birth to a new nation,” he remarked, calling for swift action to solidify this progress.
As part of his vision for reform, Dr. Yunus aspires to revamp law enforcement agencies, ensuring they become reliable institutions that uphold justice and equity. His commitment to restructuring governance underscores a dedication to building a transparent and people-friendly government, one that prioritises the welfare of its citizens.
In a poignant moment during the press conference, Dr. Yunus recalled the late Abu Sayed, a young protester who lost his life in the recent struggle. “Abu Sayed's image is in the heart of every person in Bangladesh,” he said, tears welling in his eyes. “His courage ignited a spark that has never dimmed.” Dr. Yunus emphasised that the youth must continue the fight for justice and freedom, declaring, “We will not deviate from our pledge.”
With thousands gathered to welcome him, Dr. Yunus urged the people to place their faith in him and commit to peaceful dialogue and collaboration. “If you think I am not needed, let me know and I will go back to my earlier work. But if you put your faith in me, then I urge you all to heed my call,” he said, signaling readiness to lead alongside a united for a better future.
In these turbulent times, Dr. Yunus stands as a symbol of hope and a catalyst for change. As Bangladesh looks to rebuild, the call for a collaborative, vibrant, and empathetic approach to governance echoes louder than ever. In the capable hands of its youth, the nation is primed for transformation, ready to redefine its identity and carve a new path for generations to come. Today marks not just the beginning of a new government, but a new chapter in the ongoing story of Bangladesh—a story fueled by the dreams and ambitions of its young citizens.
The writer is the Managing Director & CEO of National Bank Limited
Messenger/Sajib
