In the shadow of a historic uprising and a nation teetering on the edge of transformation, Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh from Paris with a voice full of hope. During his brief time abroad amid the tumult of August 5, he declared, “Bangladesh has an extraordinary opportunity ahead. We will not get this chance again, and we must not let it slip away.” Yet, as the months have passed, that once-brimming promise now appears to be slipping through the fingers of those in power, raising questions about whether the window of opportunity was truly seized or quietly squandered.
Since assuming his role as chief adviser nearly a year ago, Yunus’s leadership has been marred by controversy and accusations of self-interest. The man celebrated globally for pioneering microfinance and social entrepreneurship now finds himself under a scrutinizing lens, accused of prioritizing personal and factional gains over the nation’s broader welfare. His initial promise to steer Bangladesh toward stability, democracy, and inclusion seems overshadowed by decisions that many believe have tilted the scales in favor of a privileged few.
Yunus’s international stature is undeniable. His Nobel Peace Prize and pioneering work in social business earned him admiration worldwide. Expectations were high that he would serve as a neutral custodian, guiding Bangladesh through its most challenging times with integrity and foresight. Yet, ten months into this government, doubts have begun to overshadow his reputation. Allegations suggest that his focus has shifted from national interests to personal and political gains, fueling a growing controversy that threatens to undermine his legacy.
One of the earliest signs of this shift was the swift withdrawal of all pending cases against Yunus, which were quickly quashed under the new government’s directives. While this rapid action reflected his elevated position, it starkly contrasted with the sluggish pace of justice for political opponents from previous administrations. Many BNP leaders and other opposition figures continue to face unresolved cases, some under the oppressive Digital Security Act, with delays stretching for months or even years. For instance, it took ten months for Tarique Rahman, the acting BNP chairman, to be cleared of charges, highlighting a double standard that fuels public discontent.
Financial decisions further deepen the controversy. Soon after taking office, Yunus’s Tk666 crore tax liabilities were waived, a move that raised eyebrows across the nation. Simultaneously, he orchestrated a reduction of the government’s stake in Grameen Bank, an institution closely tied to his personal interests. Critics argue that such actions, if undertaken by an elected government, would be viewed as conflicts of interest. Questions about ethics and transparency loom large, especially considering Yunus’s involvement in businesses like a recruiting agency and a newly approved university benefits that appear to be handed to him in rapid succession, prompting accusations of repeated self-enrichment.
Yunus’s penchant for travel also drew attention. In just ten months, he has embarked on ten international trips an extraordinary feat even among global leaders. While diplomacy often requires such engagements, the question remains: what tangible benefits have these visits brought to Bangladesh? During this period, visa restrictions in key Middle Eastern countries, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand have tightened, making travel more difficult for Bangladeshi citizens. Yunus’s efforts to lobby European ambassadors in Delhi for easier visa processes have largely fallen flat, with visa issuance across Europe grinding to a halt a stark contrast to the promise of opening doors for Bangladeshis and fostering international connectivity.
As Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, the actions and decisions of its leadership over the past ten months continue to shape its trajectory. The promise of a new dawn remains, but whether it will be realized depends on whether the opportunities lost can be reclaimed or if the momentum has already slipped away. The nation’s future hinges on the choices made today, as the window of opportunity threatens to close.
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