Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, has praised the people of his country for the protests that led to the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Speaking at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, Yunus stressed on the role of Generation Z in reviving the values that defined Bangladesh’s birth in 1971.
Yunus while addressing the assembly expressed hope that the nation’s collective resolve would shape the “Bangladesh of the future.” He said, “I stand in this parliament of nations, thanks to a transformation that Bangladesh witnessed this July and August.The power of the ordinary people, particularly our youth, presented to our nation an opportunity to overhaul many of our systems and institutions.”
Yunus recalled the sacrifices made by young people, some of whom lost their lives or were severely injured. “Our people, particularly youth, gained us independence from an autocratic, undemocratic regime with an exceptional resolve”, he said.
The chief advisor attributed the success of the protests to the student-led movement, which initially aimed at ending discrimination but grew into a nationwide demand for justice. He referred to the Hasina regime as “autocratic” and “undemocratic” and commended the youth for their courage and determination in bringing about this change.
“Decades later, our Generation Z is making us revisit and reimagine the very values that our people stood back for in 1971.” Yunus said noting Bangladesh’s independence.
The protests, which began as student demonstrations, evolved into a massive anti-government movement, ultimately leading to the establishment of an interim government. Yunus took office on August 8 after Sheikh Hasina fled the country, leaving behind reports of violence and unrest, including attacks on minority communities.
Yunus concluded his address by endorsing the UN’s ‘Pact of the Future,’ saying, “Bangladesh believes the summit’s outcome will serve as a guiding framework for materialising our shared aspirations and rethinking collaborations for prosperity.”