Yunus Pledges Support to Rohingya in First Policy Speech

Bangladesh’s Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus promises ongoing support for the Rohingya community in his inaugural policy address, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions.

In his inaugural government policy speech, Muhammad Yunus, the current head of Bangladesh, pledged to back and provide assistance for the Rohingya refugees who have fled into their country. Furthermore, he vowed to uphold and sustain their garment industry.

Yunus made clear his priorities to diplomats and UN representatives on Sunday, affirming that the Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh will continue to receive support from his government.

According to him, there is a requirement for prolonged commitment from the global community in terms of humanitarian aid and ensuring safe, honorable repatriation with complete entitlements for Rohingya to their native country Myanmar.

Approximately one million Rohingya people reside in Bangladesh, having fled Myanmar due to a military crackdown that occurred in 2017. The international community is currently conducting a genocide investigation into this tragic event.

The medical non-profit organization, MSF (commonly referred to as Doctors without Borders), reported at the start of this month that an increasing number of Rohingya people are migrating from Myanmar to Bangladesh with injuries related to warfare. This comes amidst a growing conflict between the military and Arakan Army rebels in western Rakhine State.

According to a statement, women and children accounted for over 40 percent of the injured.

An interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist, Yunus, aged 84 years old was formed upon his return from Europe. President Mohammed Shahabuddin picked him to fulfill a vital requirement of the student protest leaders.

Sheikh Hasina, aged 76 and his predecessor, was forced to flee the country on August 5 via helicopter after ruling for fifteen years due to anti-government demonstrations.

The textile industry, which is the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy, was severely affected during the weeks of upheaval and mass demonstrations that ousted Hasina from power. As a result, suppliers began relocating their orders to other countries.

Yunus stated that being a major player in the global clothing supply chain, any attempt to disrupt it would not be acceptable.

Approximately 85% of Bangladesh’s annual export revenue amounting to $55bn is generated by its 3,500 garment factories.

Yunus stated in his policy address that he acknowledged the uprising of hundreds of thousands of students and citizens against Sheikh Hasina’s oppressive regime during the preceding month, promising to investigate their fatalities.

During the three weeks following a police crackdown on student protests, more than 450 people lost their lives prior to her removal from office.

On Sunday, Yunus stated that a fair and globally trustworthy inquiry is required to investigate the massacre.

We are prepared to offer the UN investigators with any support they require.

A fact-finding mission from the UN is anticipated to investigate “atrocities” that occurred during the protests led by students in Bangladesh.

Yunus has pledged to conduct elections that are both free and fair within a short period of time.

During the prior administration, Yunus was found guilty of breaking labor laws in a trial that had been criticized as being politically driven.

Yunus stated that every institution of the country was destroyed by the dictatorship of Sheikh Hasina.

He stated that his administration had intentions to genuinely work towards the advancement of national reconciliation.