Dhaka: Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has unequivocally dismissed the potential for reconciliation in Bangladesh with the previous regime, citing the “continued denial” by the former leaders of their alleged crimes. He made these comments during a meeting with two former senior United States diplomats, Albert Gombis and Morse Tan, both of whom served during the Donald Trump administration, at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka late Tuesday night, as per the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Wednesday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the diplomats, who are visiting Bangladesh ahead of the crucial elections, inquired whether a truth and reconciliation initiative akin to post-apartheid South Africa could be implemented in Bangladesh. Prof Yunus, drawing on his experience as a friend of the late Nelson Mandela, expressed skepticism about such a possibility due to the former regime’s unyielding stance on acknowledging their alleged wrongdoings.
Prof Yunus elaborated that a truth and reconciliation process requires the acknowledgment of past errors, repentance, and the creation of a conducive atmosphere for healing. However, he criticized the former regime for their lack of remorse and continued denial, particularly regarding the deaths of young people during the July uprising, which the regime attributed to terrorist activities despite evidence to the contrary.
The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to conducting the general elections and the referendum as scheduled on February 12. He highlighted the prevalence of fake news and misinformation surrounding the elections but assured that the Interim Government is steadfast in its resolve to hold the elections on the scheduled date and transfer power to a democratically elected government thereafter.
Prof Yunus emphasized the neutrality of the interim government in ensuring a fair and unbiased election, pledging a peaceful and festive voting atmosphere. The meeting also covered a range of topics, including the July Revolution, the rise of young protesters, the July Charter, the referendum, and the ongoing Rohingya crisis.
In advocating for the ‘Yes’ votes in the referendum, Prof Yunus noted that the endorsement of the July Charter by the people would herald a new era of democratic governance, eliminating the possibility of future autocratic rule. He also raised concerns about supporters of the former regime spreading misinformation to create electoral confusion, acknowledging the public’s increasing ability to identify AI-generated content.
Former Under Secretary Gombis echoed the threat posed by fake news to democracy globally, underscoring the need for heightened efforts to counteract this challenge. SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.