'This is 2nd liberation of Bangladesh',says Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus as Sheikh Hasina resigns

Summary

In a significant interview, Professor Yunus discusses the rapid political changes in Bangladesh, expressing joy over the resignation of Prime Minister Shikha Hasina and her departure, which he views as a liberation for the country. He praises the young people leading the movement and shares his optimism for a fresh start in Bangladesh, with a focus on democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Yunus also addresses the role of external countries, the future of political parties, and the potential for a new political landscape driven by the youth.

Takeaways

• 📢 Professor Yunus expresses a sense of liberation and joy for Bangladesh, indicating that the people feel free now that the Prime Minister, Shikha Hasina, has resigned and left the country.
• 🎉 There is widespread celebration across Bangladesh, with young people being credited for leading the movement that has resulted in the current situation.
• 🌟 Professor Yunus believes that the youth and students will lead the future of Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of their role in shaping the country.
• 🏛 The Bangladesh Army has taken over and an interim government is expected to be formed, but the specifics of this government are yet to be determined.
• 🔍 Professor Yunus will continue his work with microcredit and social business in a more free environment, now that he is no longer under attack from the previous regime.
• 🛫 He plans to return to Bangladesh soon, indicating his commitment to continue working for the people of the country.
• 🗽 The script mentions the vandalization of the statue of Shikha Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, reflecting the public's sentiment towards Hasina's rule.
• 🤔 The role of international players like the US and India in the current situation is discussed, with the implication that they have been active but their exact influence remains unclear.
• 🇧🇩 The future of Bangladesh's relationship with India and the role of the opposition, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, are highlighted as important considerations moving forward.
• 🚫 The Jamaat-e-Islami party, which has been banned, is mentioned, raising questions about its potential role in future politics.
• 🌱 Professor Yunus hopes for a new kind of political formation in Bangladesh, with the younger generation taking over and shaping the country according to their vision.

Q & A

What was the main reason for Professor Yunus' feeling of liberation after the reported resignation of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh?

Professor Yunus felt liberated because he perceived the former Prime Minister as an oppressive force, acting like an occupation force, dictator, or general controlling everything, and her departure symbolized the end of this control.

What is the significance of the young people's role in the recent political changes in Bangladesh according to Professor Yunus?

The young people are credited with leading the movement that led to the reported resignation of the Prime Minister, bringing about a sense of liberation and unity across the country.

How does Professor Yunus view the potential for Bangladesh to start anew after the reported political changes?

He sees it as an opportunity to make a fresh start, create a beautiful country, and fulfill the aspirations that were missed during the first round of independence in 1971.

What is Professor Yunus' perspective on the role of the Bangladesh Army in the current situation?

He mentions that the Army has taken over and that the Bangladesh Army Chief has indicated the formation of an interim government, suggesting a transition phase is expected.

How does Professor Yunus plan to continue his work in the changed political environment?

He intends to continue working for the people, particularly with microcredit and social business, in a more free environment that was previously restricted due to the former regime's actions against him.

What is the reported situation regarding the former Prime Minister's whereabouts after her resignation?

There are unconfirmed reports that she has resigned and left Bangladesh, possibly landing in West Bengal, India.

What does Professor Yunus think about the vandalization of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's statue by protesters?

He believes it reflects the protesters' feelings towards the former Prime Minister and the damage she has done to her own and her father's legacy.

What is Professor Yunus' view on the role of the US and India in the recent political developments in Bangladesh?

He suggests that both countries have been active in Bangladesh, with India playing a major role and the US a minor one, but he does not specify the exact roles they have played in the recent events.

How does Professor Yunus envision the future relationship between India and Bangladesh?

He hopes for a continued good relationship based on mutual respect, honor, and consideration of each other's opinions, with the specifics to be determined by the next elected government.

What is the current state of the opposition parties in Bangladesh, and what role does Professor Yunus foresee for them?

He notes that the political landscape has changed significantly, with the Awami League and BNP in flux and other parties like Jamaat facing bans, suggesting that the new government and future elections will determine their roles.

What message does Professor Yunus have for the people of Bangladesh in light of the recent political changes?

He encourages them to enjoy their newfound freedom and to adhere to democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law to ensure a strong and beautiful country.

Outlines

00:00

🏁 Liberation and Future of Bangladesh

In this paragraph, Professor Yunus discusses the rapid political developments in Bangladesh, including the reported resignation of Prime Minister Shikha Hina and her departure from the country. He expresses a sense of liberation felt by the people, as they no longer feel under an oppressive regime. Yunus highlights the role of the youth in leading the movement for change and emphasizes the importance of a fresh start for the country. He also mentions his own plans to continue working in a more liberated environment and his anticipation of returning to Bangladesh soon. The conversation also touches on the vandalism of a statue of Shikha Hina's father, Mujibur Rahman, and the implications for his legacy.

05:00

🌏 Regional Impact and Political Landscape

This paragraph delves into the potential impact of the political changes in Bangladesh on its relationship with India and the broader South Asian region. Yunus stresses the importance of maintaining good neighborly relations and the role of the future government in shaping these ties. He also addresses the state of the opposition in Bangladesh, noting the ill health of Khalid Zia from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the changes in the political landscape. Yunus speculates on the possibility of new political formations and the role of the younger generation in shaping the country's future, advocating for their leadership and commitment to democratic principles.

10:02

📢 Expression of Public Sentiment and Democratic Aspirations

In the final paragraph, the discussion centers on the public's reaction to the political upheaval, with a focus on the student protests that have catalyzed change. Yunus reflects on the importance of democratic expression and the capacity of the young generation to drive change. He anticipates potential backlash against the ruling Awami League and emphasizes the need for any response to be within the legal framework. Yunus concludes with a message of joy over Bangladesh's newfound independence and a call for the people to cherish and uphold democratic values for a strong and prosperous nation.

Keywords

💡Liberation

Liberation refers to the act of setting free from imprisonment, control, or oppressive conditions. In the video's context, it is used to describe the feeling of freedom experienced by the people of Bangladesh following the reported resignation of the Prime Minister. The theme of liberation is central to the narrative, as it signifies a break from what the speaker perceives as an oppressive regime, allowing the country to start anew.

💡Prime Minister Shikha Hasina

Prime Minister Shikha Hasina is a central figure in the script, being the leader of Bangladesh who is reported to have resigned and left the country. Her departure is a pivotal moment in the video's narrative, symbolizing a significant political shift and the end of an era. The script discusses her perceived authoritarian rule and the public's reaction to her departure.

💡Interim Government

An interim government is a temporary administration that is set up to govern a country during a transitional period. In the script, the Bangladesh Army Chief's announcement of forming an interim government is a key development, indicating the immediate future political landscape of Bangladesh and the steps towards establishing a new governance structure.

💡Microcredit

Microcredit is a financial service that provides small loans to individuals who lack collateral, traditional credit history, or access to conventional banking services. The speaker, Professor Yunus, is associated with microcredit, which is a form of social business aimed at empowering people economically. His work in this area is mentioned as something he plans to continue in a more liberated environment.

💡Occupation Force

An occupation force refers to a military or political power that controls a territory against the will of the local population. In the script, the term is used metaphorically to describe the perceived oppressive rule of the Prime Minister, suggesting that her departure is seen as a liberation from such control.

💡Dictator

A dictator is a ruler with total power who has often seized control by force. The term is used in the script to characterize the leadership style of the former Prime Minister, implying that her rule was autocratic and not in line with democratic principles.

💡Independence Movement

The Independence Movement in the script refers to the historical struggle for freedom from colonial or oppressive rule, specifically mentioning Bangladesh's first independence in 1971. The current situation is compared to that movement, with the people feeling a renewed sense of liberation and the opportunity to start over.

💡Bilateral Relationship

A bilateral relationship is an arrangement where two countries cooperate and interact with each other. The script discusses the impact of the political changes in Bangladesh on its relationship with neighboring India, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good relations and mutual respect.

💡Awami League

The Awami League is the political party of the former Prime Minister Shikha Hasina. In the script, it is mentioned as the ruling party that has now lost power, and there is speculation about the backlash against its leaders and the party's future role in Bangladeshi politics.

💡Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is the main opposition party in Bangladesh. The script mentions the party's current state of inactivity and the unwell condition of its leader, Khalid Zia, raising questions about the opposition's role in the country's future political landscape.

💡Jamaat

Jamaat refers to a political party in Bangladesh, which is mentioned in the script as being banned. The discussion revolves around the possibility of Jamaat's role in the future politics of Bangladesh, depending on the decisions of the new government and the evolving political climate.

💡Freedom Fighters

Freedom Fighters are individuals who have fought for the independence or liberation of their country. In the script, the term is used to describe the young people who led the movement for change in Bangladesh, emphasizing their role as the new leaders who have earned the right to shape the country's future.

Highlights

Professor Yunus expresses joy and a sense of liberation for Bangladesh with the resignation of Prime Minister Shikha Hasina.

Yunus credits the young people for leading the movement that liberated the country.

He emphasizes the importance of making a fresh start to create a beautiful country for Bangladesh.

Yunus discusses the role of the Bangladesh Army in forming an interim government after Hasina's departure.

The professor shares his plans to continue working for the people, especially in a more free environment.

Yunus confirms his intention to return to Bangladesh soon.

He comments on the vandalism of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's statue, attributing it to Hasina's actions.

Yunus believes Hasina has completely destroyed her father's legacy.

The role of the US and India in Bangladesh's political transition is questioned by Yunus.

Yunus hopes for a new kind of political formation led by the young generation in Bangladesh.

He calls for the new government to ensure democratic principles, freedom of speech, and rule of law.

Yunus sees a potential backlash against the ruling Awami League but stresses the importance of lawfulness.

The professor discusses the changing political landscape in Bangladesh, including the role of the BNP and Jamaat.

Yunus speculates on the emergence of new political roles and the importance of fair elections.

He encourages the people of Bangladesh to enjoy their newfound freedom and uphold democratic values.

Yunus reflects on the rapid change in Bangladesh's political situation, highlighting the power of the people's feelings when given the opportunity to express them.

The professor shares his joy about Bangladesh's independence and liberation in the closing remarks.

Transcripts

thank you so much Professor yunus for

joining us at the print again for

agreeing to talk to us again we were

talking in the afternoon today but then

things in Bangladesh the situation is

fast evolving and in fact after our

interview you know we uh started getting

reports of prime minister shik Hina

resigning uh unconfirmed reports of her

uh you know uh leaving Dhaka so I

thought we should talk again on the

evolving situation and what means what

does it mean for Bangladesh uh as we

talk sir reports are coming in that uh

shik Casina has resigned and along with

her sister she has left Bangladesh again

there are unconfirmed reports that she

has landed in India in West Bengal uh

what do you have to say to that your

thoughts your first thoughts his first

thought is the freedom we we are

liberated we are a free country now we

we we are an occupied country as long as

she was there uh she was behaving like a

occupation force a dictator a general

and so on controlling everything today

all the people of Bangladesh feel

liberated there again the second

Liberation movement occasion with

celebration of occasion going on all

over the country you see this and

congratulations to all the young people

who led this whole movement to come

bring it to this level liberate

us ultimately bringing everybody

together and Liberate the whole country

you're feeling that sense of Liberation

joy that we can start all over again we

missed it we wanted to do it in the

first round when we became independent

in 1971 and we missed it because of all

this problem that we have right now uh

we want to now make a fresh start and

create a beautiful country for ourself

that's the commitment we do and students

and young people will be leading our

future that's what the I'm looking

forward to right what next for

Bangladesh sir because uh and where does

Bangladesh go from here uh the Army has

taken over Bangladesh Army Chief has

said that an interim government will be

formed so what kind of interim

government are we looking

at well that's will be coming I'm sure

all this thing happen now

that H has left the country fled the

country now we are free we we can decide

what we want so all these issues will be

resolved as we go along and I'm sure we

will have a very good

start uh what kind of a role do you see

for yourself sir uh and what is

happening I'll continue to work for the

people the way I did before with micro

credit with social business and

everything so I'll continue with my work

uh in a more free environment that I

didn't have during the regime of sh

Casina because he is always pursuing me

always attacking me and so on so I will

continue devote myself myself to do the

things that I couldn't do before so when

are you planning to return to

Bangladesh yes I will be very soon I'll

be coming back you you're going back

yeah uh sir also uh we are seeing very

disturbing visuals on the television

screen you know protesters have stormed

the Bangladesh Prime Minister Palace in

Dhaka then we saw the statue of shik

Muju Rahman shik hina's father who

played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's

Independence Movement

being vandalized what does it say about

mujibur rahman's

movement it shows it says what they feel

about Hina what she did to herself and

to her father this is an expression of

the damages she has done so it's not the

fault of the young people who are doing

this is the fault of the person who made

these images go down the TR so uh do you

think that in some way she has uh

tainted the legacy of for father of

course destroyed it completely not

tainted destroyed it

completely okay and uh what has been the

role of the US sir if any in this part

transition because uh in it is being

said that you know us has also played a

role and what is happening in

Bangladesh usually people think about

India played the role in it all all of

it one way uh and people blame USA they

not playing active role in Bangladesh

and always trying to do things in

Bangladesh through India and people are

very upset about that uh so I don't know

what role India has played or what role

USA has played both both of them were

very active in Bangladesh but our

complaint is India was playing the major

role and USA was playing a minor role so

I I don't know what role now uh they are

playing on this scenario and what role

they will play in the upcoming uh

situation uh so how should India look at

the development sir

I don't know you have to say that

because what India looked at how does it

impact the India how will it impact the

India Bangladesh uh relationship the

bilateral relationship that we have we

are neighbors we are part of SAR we want

to continue good relationship there's no

question about it how to shape it how to

design it how to give the mutual respect

honor Mutual opinions and so on uh those

all the thing that the next government

when is elected will

decide and how and I'm sure it will be a

relationship of great friendship right

and how do you see the opposition's role

in Bangladesh sir because the Bangladesh

nationalist party Khalid Zia uh is

unwell uh so the opposition landscape

how do you see it and what kind of a

role do you see for them uh in the

days when we discuss this we are talking

about old stuff right in the meantime

things have changed is the arm league is

no longer the arm League that we used to

know the day before yesterday or today

so what role arm League broken this dis

disintegrated arm League will be

functioning BNP never played any role

because they never had a chance to be in

any role they are not in the parliament

we don't know what is left over left of

BNP what what we would do and other

parties are very minor parties the

jamaat is

is already banned so that's a new

question the new governments will have

to face it's already banned but the last

section that as dat is to B jamat

Islamic but uh I mean would this uh lead

to a grow bigger role for jamat jamat s

in Bangladesh uh politics depends

depends on what other other roles

emerging so that's important there's ve

created by arm

uh BNP was

silent because they have been under

attack all

along now when the free country how they

emerge how they decide their policies

and actions uh because if there's an

election what role they will play uh in

the election how they perform in the

election because as long as we have a

fair election lots of will done we don't

have to speculate anymore because we go

back to the people they will voting they

will decide which which which party

exists which party disappears which

become stronger than ever mhm I'm asking

another speculative question so I mean

will we see a new kind of political

formation in the country I hope so I

hope so definitely that's what I was in

the morning I was telling you in my

previous interview that young people

should lead the way they should be in

charge of the country not the older

generation they have old ideas old way

of doing things we would have the Young

Generation take over and shape the

country the way they want is their

country they have sacrificed a lot you

have seen it now they have very

legitimate ground that whole country

will say that you run the country you

have freed us they are Freedom Fighters

for us so let the Freedom Fighters

decide what kind of country they want to

make right and what would be your

message for uh uh the people of

Bangladesh today enjoy the freedom make

make sure this time we don't make a

mistake we make sure we cling we stay

close to democratic principles and all

the things that it stands for freedom of

speech and uh rule of law and

Independence of Judiciary and all the

things that we talk about uh human

rights so we stick to that as long as

you stick to that you remain a strong

country you can be the beautiful country

this has all the features of a becoming

fantastic country is a creative country

country energetic country we have done

wonderful things in the past we can do

much more we want to be the ideal

country for for at least for the S

countries we want to show the way how to

how to make it happen everybody has

problems but we will keep on solving

problems and show the way how to change

the world change our life change the

life of the Next Generation and future

generation and help each other and

become a big family of s countries right

like I was asking you in the afternoon

that you know many people say that this

was long coming and situation evolved

pretty quickly I mean from the student

protest it started off as a student

protest and then I mean suddenly it

became so big and within days uh the

protest became big and now today we are

seeing shik Hina resigning leaving the

country the Prime Minister resigning and

leaving the

country yeah this is a concrete examples

so how things can suddenly change

because people feel it that way people

just because they cannot express

themselves doesn't mean they don't feel

it they feel it given opportunity to

express it since we don't have the

democratic practices Democratic

institutions Democratic uh principles

practice in Bangladesh we couldn't

express ourselves we didn't know what

was it the moment these are removed all

the obstacles are removed they came out

and now they will be showing their what

they're feeling is what kind of capacity

they have Young Generation has a

fantastic capacity to undo the things

and build the things that need to do

create a future for themselves they're

very dedicated committed people they

love their country uh want to do things

in a way that they stand out in the in

the n in the committee of nations of the

world that they are as respectable

Nation as anybody else right also so do

you see a backlash against the ruling

awami League uh leaders there in the

country natural this is a something may

happen but the responsibility of the new

government would be to make sure it is

within the framework of the law right

sir thank you so much sir for joining us

again and hoping that uh you know uh

elected government is soon in place in

Bangladesh I'm sharing my joy with about

The Liberation about the independence

that we just gained thank you very much

for giving thank you so much sir you and

your business thank Youk you sir

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[Applause]

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