Dhaka, September 11, 2024: On the occasion of the one-month anniversary of the interim government, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus delivered a speech to the nation today at 7:30 PM. This important address was broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and BTV World. In his speech, Dr. Yunus discussed the recent political situation, law and order, the economy, and various measures taken by the government. He described the government’s responsibilities and progress to the people and highlighted future plans.
Resistance Against Fascism and Tribute to Martyrs
Dr. Yunus paid deep respect to the martyrs who lost their lives during the July-August uprising against fascist forces, including students, workers, and the general public. He reaffirmed his commitment to rehabilitate the martyrs’ families and the injured, a promise made earlier, and mentioned that the work is ongoing. A comprehensive list for the treatment of the injured has been prepared and will be updated with new information. He announced the establishment of the “July Genocide Memorial Foundation,” which will serve and rehabilitate the families of martyrs and the injured. He called on the public and Bangladeshis abroad to contribute to this foundation.
Flood Situation and Rehabilitation Efforts
Dr. Yunus addressed the sudden flood situation in the Comilla-Noakhali and Sylhet regions, unprecedented in those areas. He thanked the armed forces for their immediate actions and the support from NGOs and the general public. He mentioned that rehabilitation work after the floods is still ongoing and urged everyone to cooperate in this effort.
Improvement in Law and Order
Dr. Yunus highlighted the government’s efforts to improve law and order. He noted that many people responded to his appeal by withdrawing from blockade programs. He assured that the government would work to resolve all legitimate grievances and called on the public to avoid programs that disrupt transportation.
Worker Movements and Economic Crisis
Dr. Yunus expressed concern about the worker movements in the ready-made garment and pharmaceutical industries, noting their negative impact on the country’s economy. He promised to find solutions through discussions with workers and owners. He emphasized that the country’s economy is already weak, and closing industries at this moment would severely damage it. He urged workers to keep factories open for the sake of the economy and called on owners to resolve issues with workers to keep factories operational. Dr. Yunus stated that the government has plans to enhance the success of the ready-made garment and pharmaceutical industries, which are a source of national pride.
Education System Reform
Dr. Yunus spoke about the importance of reforming the education system, mentioning that the curriculum from primary to higher secondary levels has been revised. The work on revising and updating textbooks is in the final stages. Additionally, the appointment of qualified individuals to high administrative positions in universities is underway to restore normalcy in education.
Judicial and Legal Reforms
Dr. Yunus outlined major reforms in the judiciary. He stated that appointing the most qualified person as Chief Justice has instilled new hope among the people. He also mentioned that false and harassment cases filed under anti-terrorism and digital security laws are being withdrawn. A separate commission will be formed to investigate cases of enforced disappearances.
International Relations and Cooperation
Dr. Yunus spoke about his communication with heads of government from various countries. He had telephone conversations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He emphasized building fair and equitable relationships with neighboring countries, including India. Discussions on flood relief cooperation between India and Bangladesh have started. He thanked the government of the United Arab Emirates for pardoning 57 Bangladeshis who were sentenced due to their involvement in anti-fascism protests.
Economic Crisis and Inflation Control
Dr. Yunus highlighted various measures taken by the government to address the economic crisis. Controlling inflation is a primary goal of the government. The policy interest rate has been increased to 9% to manage inflation. He also mentioned budget allocations for internal collections and food subsidies.
Banking Sector Reform and Project Implementation
A banking commission has been formed to restore discipline in the banking sector, and the boards of various banks have been restructured. The government is planning cost-saving measures and cancellation of unnecessary projects during the implementation phase. The review of development projects is ongoing, with priority given to employment-generating projects.
Media and Freedom of Expression
Dr. Yunus assured the commitment to ensuring media and freedom of expression. Plans are underway to establish a media commission to allow media to operate without hindrance. He also mentioned efforts to restructure the commission to hold the government and others accountable.
Rational Reduction of Administrative and Development Expenditures
The government has undertaken measures to rationally reduce administrative and development expenditures. Ensuring the supply of foreign currency for importing fertilizers for agricultural production has been confirmed. Additionally, measures have been taken to ensure that agricultural loans reach actual farmers, and the amount of agricultural loans has been increased.
Market-Based Exchange Rate
To stabilize the exchange rate of the Taka against the US Dollar, the foreign exchange rate has been made market-based. The unethical permission for whitening black money has been revoked, and budget support has been requested from various development partners to increase foreign currency reserves.
Foreign Debt Management
Additional loans have been requested from the IMF (3 billion USD), the World Bank (1 billion USD), and JICA (1 billion USD). Discussions are ongoing with Russia regarding payment for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project.
Mega Projects and Increase in Social Sector Allocation
Plans have been made to stop corruption under mega projects and increase allocations for health and education sectors. Requests have been made to Russia and China to reduce interest rates on loans and extend the loan terms.
Accuracy of Economic Data
Instructions have been issued for accurate publication of economic indicators such as GDP and inflation. Efforts are underway to determine and publish actual export earnings. Automation plans for the National Board of Revenue are being implemented.
Commodity Supply System and Reduction of Duties
Discussions have been held with traders and industrialists to maintain the normal supply of essential goods. Import duties on onions, potatoes, and pesticides have been reduced. One crore low-income families are being provided with rice, oil, pulses, and other items at reduced prices through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).
Transparency in Energy and Power Sector
Measures are being taken to end the corruption that has occurred in the energy and power sector over the past decade and a half. The boards of companies under the ministry have been restructured. Prices of octane and petrol have been reduced by 6 Taka, and diesel and kerosene by 1.25 Taka.
Liberation War Veterans List and Asset Recovery
Steps have been taken to identify fake war veterans and recover the occupied assets of the War Veterans Welfare Trust.
Urban Development and Infrastructure Planning
Laws are being formulated to establish development authorities in Barisal, Rangpur, and Mymensingh. The roadmap for constructing the Purbachal Satellite City is being finalized. There are initiatives to cancel the allocation of plots and flats given outside the regulations.
Gonobhaban as a Museum of Revolution
Gonobhaban has been declared a Museum of Revolution, where the building will be preserved in its original state for exhibition.
Environmentally Friendly Bangladesh
Steps have been taken to reduce plastic use to create an environmentally friendly and biodiverse country. A ban has been imposed on the use of polythene bags, and measures have been taken to stop river pollution.
Formation of Six Reform Commissions
Six commissions have been formed to ensure fair elections and good governance, focusing on electoral reforms, police administration, judiciary, anti-corruption, public administration, and constitutional reforms. Each commission is led by distinguished citizens and will start working from October.
Electoral System Reform
Efforts are underway to reform the Election Commission and related institutions to ensure free and fair elections.
Transparency and Accountability in Administration
Changes and promotions in various administrative positions have been made. New District Commissioners have been appointed in 59 districts, and 297 officers of the Bangladesh Police have been transferred.
Implementation of Uprising Messages
Efforts are being made to implement the messages and aspirations of the July uprising through reforms to establish a state system dedicated to public welfare.
This speech detailed the government’s activities over the past month and outlined future plans, with a call for public support in their implementation.
