Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday reiterated his government’s commitment to conducting the general elections and referendum as planned on February 12. The announcement was made during a meeting with former senior United States diplomats Albert Gombis and Morse Tan at the State Guest House Jamuna, as reported by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Yunus emphasized that despite a surge in fake news and deliberate misinformation meant to create confusion about the elections, the interim government is resolute in holding the elections on the scheduled date. He assured that the elections would be conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner, with the government remaining neutral to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
Albert Gombis, a former Acting Under Secretary of State, and Morse Tan, a former Ambassador-at-Large, are visiting Bangladesh ahead of the elections. During their hour-long meeting with the Chief Adviser, they discussed various issues, including the upcoming elections, the July Revolution, misinformation campaigns, the Rohingya crisis, and possibilities for truth and reconciliation in Bangladesh.
Professor Yunus expressed his government’s support for the ‘Yes’ campaign in the referendum, highlighting that the July Charter’s endorsement would pave the way for democratic governance and prevent future autocratic rule. He accused supporters of the previous autocratic regime of spreading false information to create confusion around the elections. He noted that the public is becoming more adept at identifying AI-generated misinformation.
Gombis acknowledged the challenge posed by fake news to democracy globally and emphasized the importance of addressing this threat. Both diplomats commended Professor Yunus for his leadership over the past year and a half and inquired about the potential for a truth and reconciliation process in Bangladesh, similar to post-apartheid South Africa.
Professor Yunus, referencing his association with Nelson Mandela, stated that the current climate in Bangladesh is not conducive to such a process, citing a lack of acknowledgment and remorse from the former regime for its past actions. He highlighted the continued denial of crimes committed during the July Uprising as a significant barrier to reconciliation.
SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting, offering further insights into the discussions held with the visiting diplomats.