Swirling rumours must stopped by overall unity, says Yunus

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has issued a stark warning about the proliferation of misinformation, alleging that a coordinated effort is underway to destabilise the country as it moves toward a new political framework.

He addressed the nation on the eve of Independence Day on Tuesday.

“Since the interim government took office, there has been a revelry of rumours in the media and social media,” the chief advisor said.

He described the spread of disinformation as a strategic effort by opposing forces to derail the reform process initiated by the interim government.

“Rumours are being spread in all sorts of innovative ways. One picture is being added to another picture, events are being made into photo cards using unrelated photos, and events in other countries are being passed off as events in this country, creating a stir on social media,” he said.

He cautioned that such tactics would likely intensify as the country approaches elections.

“As the elections approach, its form will continue to become more dangerous. You all know who is behind it and why.”

In response to these concerns, the interim government has sought international assistance.

Yunus confirmed that the United Nations had assured cooperation in addressing the spread of false information.

“I would like to remind the countrymen that the first phase of the July Uprising has been successfully completed. With the completion of the first phase, the second phase of the Uprising has begun. We must always remember that we are in a state of war. ‘Rumours’ are the biggest tool of the defeated forces against this July Uprising.

“Whenever you see rumours, keep searching for the source of the rumours. Do not neglect rumours.”

He alleged that highly skilled operatives and vast financial resources were being deployed to manipulate public perception.

“Many experienced military experts are working day and night behind these rumours, unlimited money is being invested behind them. Its main goal is to thwart the July Uprising.”

Calling for national unity, Yunus warned of the opposition’s “innovative” strategies.

“The fugitives are burning at our collective might. They want to break this unity. You will not be able to sense their innovative tactics. You will not understand when you have become a puppet in their game.”

POLITICAL CONSENSUS AND ELECTION TIMELINE

The chief advisor also spoke about the ongoing work of the National Consensus Commission (NCC), which began discussions with political parties on sweeping reforms.

“Letters have been sent to 38 political parties along with 166 recommendations and full reports of the six reform commissions. Meetings have already started with the political parties,” he noted.

He described the response from political groups as largely constructive.

“The political parties of the country have responded very positively to the reform work; they are expressing their opinions. They are telling which political parties have agreed with which reform proposals and which they have disagreed with. It is a very happy thing for our nation that every political party is in favour of the reform,” he said.

“The aim of the commission is to identify all the issues on which the political parties will agree and prepare a list of them. To get the signatures of the parties that have agreed on it. This list will be the July Charter.”

Yunus reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and assured the nation that elections would proceed within the stated time frame.

“The elections will be held between December this year and June next year,” he affirmed.

Emphasising the goal of holding what he described as “the most free, fair, and acceptable election in the history of Bangladesh,” he urged political parties to prepare in earnest.

“For this, the Election Commission has started making all kinds of preparations. I hope that the political parties will start preparing for the elections with great enthusiasm and excitement.”

He urged the public to remain vigilant.

“We must stop these rumours with our awareness and overall unity. The conspiracy of the fugitive evil forces must be foiled.”

‘JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED’

Yunus also spoke about the United Nations' report on the killings that took place in July and August.

“The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has documented the repression carried out by the fallen autocrat. The report provides a detailed account of the crackdown, suppression, and killings orchestrated by Sheikh Hasina government and the Awami League against students, workers, and the general public in Bangladesh during July and August.

“The report explicitly says that Sheikh Hasina ‘personally ordered’ security forces to kill protesters. The previous government, the Awami League, and its affiliated groups and organisations were collectively ‘involved’ in gross human rights violations through a well-planned approach,” Yunus said.

Quoting the UN report, the chief advisor said: “Around 1,400 people were killed during the protests, with approximately 13 percent of them being children. Our July daughters, who were on the frontlines of the protests, were attacked and even subjected to sexual violence by security forces and Awami League supporters.

“The horrors detailed in the UN report have left everyone shocked. How could a prime minister order the killing of her own unarmed citizens and the hiding of their bodies? In her desperation to cling to power, she surpassed all forms of brutality—this is what the UN report has revealed.”

Yunus welcomed the findings of the OHCHR, saying the interim government was taking the recommendations seriously.

“I assure you, those responsible for the mass killings, those who murdered indiscriminately, and those who have already been recognised as killers by the world, will be brought to justice on this very soil.”

REMEMBRANCE AND GREETINGS

At the beginning of his speech, the chief advisor recalled the dark night of Mar 25, 1971.

“Today is Mar 25, a day of genocide that stains human civilisation. On this night in 1971, the invading Pakistani forces brutally opened fire on innocent, unarmed, and sleeping Bengalis, killing thousands. From that very night, the people of this land took up arms in resistance, leading to a nine-month war that ultimately gave birth to an independent Bangladesh.

“As we approach our great Independence Day, I pay deep tribute to the valiant martyrs of the Liberation War, whose sacrifices won us a free and sovereign Bangladesh. The bloodshed of hundreds of thousands of martyrs and the suffering of 200,000 violated women led to the emergence of Bangladesh on the world map. My salute to these heroes of our Liberation War.

“At the same time, on behalf of the entire nation, I pay my respects to the thousands of ‘martyrs’ and the injured of the July Uprising, who stood tall against discrimination, exploitation, oppression, and persecution. The July Uprising has provided us with an opportunity to realise our dream of a Bangladesh free from inequality, and we are determined to make the most of it.”

Extending his greetings to the nation, Yunus said: “On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, I sincerely wish you all the best. I also extend my advance greetings for Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid Mubarak. May this Eid be a joyous and memorable one.”

He urged people to travel home safely and celebrate with their families.

“Spend Eid with your loved ones peacefully and joyfully. Visit the graves of your relatives, look after underprivileged families, and think about ways to improve their future. Introduce your children to them. I urge everyone to pray during Eid congregations for unwavering unity despite all provocations from defeated forces,” he said.