Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus addressed the rise of damaging rumours against his administration, attributing them to remnants of the former regime. He emphasized the importance of public awareness and unity as elections approach, warning that such disinformation would escalate. He also sought UN support to combat these efforts and reiterated the significance of remembering the sacrifices made during the 1971 Liberation War.
On March 26, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, declared that the nation is experiencing a “festival of rumours” aimed at undermining his administration. He attributed these unfounded claims to the remnants of the previous regime, particularly referencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ousting. Yunus urged citizens to remain vigilant and united against such disinformation as the nation approaches upcoming elections, warning that such rumours would intensify as the vote draws near.
Yunus emphasized that the misinformation is not spontaneous but rather orchestrated by individuals with significant resources, aiming to disrupt the July Uprising. He called upon the public to discern the sources of such rumours, highlighting that many “experienced war experts” are engaged in this misinformation campaign to fracture the unity of the people. Furthermore, he mentioned that the current context requires a mindset akin to wartime awareness, in response to attempts to destabilize the interim government.
In response to the growing concerns about these rumours, Yunus sought the support of the United Nations to combat disinformation. He noted that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during his recent visit to Bangladesh, expressed willingness to assist in preventing the spread of misleading information. Yunus’s tenure has been marked by the aftermath of Hasina’s regime being ousted amid protests, with political analysts suggesting the rise of ultraright and Islamist elements seeking to diminish the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War.
Reflecting on the history of the Liberation War, Yunus paid homage to the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives during the conflict, denouncing attempts to erase this pivotal moment from collective memory. On March 25, he reiterated the significant loss incurred when Pakistani forces attacked Bengali civilians, stressing the importance of remembering those events. His remarks serve as both a reminder of the past and a call to unity against divisive forces within the nation.
In summary, Muhammad Yunus has addressed the proliferation of damaging rumours aimed at his administration, framing them as efforts to destabilize Bangladesh ahead of upcoming elections. He underscores the necessity for public vigilance and unity against misinformation while seeking international support to counteract such narratives. Moreover, Yunus’s reaffirmation of historical memory is vital in preserving the legacy of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
