Bangladesh 2026 polls: Yunus says 'no way' he would continue to be in power; plans to unveil 'big package' next month
Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus has firmly ruled out any intention of staying in power after the country's 2026 elections, saying there is "no way" he would seek a political post after the polls.
Yunus, who is on a visit to the UK, was speaking at the Chatham House in London, a top foreign policy think tank, on Tuesday evening.
'I think none of our cabinet members would like to do that, not only me,' the 84-year-old leader said, waving his hands to emphasise his point, news agency AFP reported.
The South Asian country, home to around 170 million (17 crore) people, has been led by Yunus' caretaker government since a student-led uprising in August 2024 removed then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ending her 15 years in power.
Further, the veteran economist and founder of the Grameen Bank reiterated that his interim administration is focused solely on managing a smooth transition to an elected government.
'Our job is to make sure that the transition is managed well, and that people are happy when we hand over power to the elected government,' Yunus said.
"So we want to make sure that the election is right, that is a very critical factor for us.
If the election is wrong, this thing will never be solved again," he added.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate had long maintained that elections would be held before June 2026, but stressed that more time would help the interim government push through key reforms.
However, after repeated pressure from political parties to set a clear timeline, he announced earlier this month that the elections will take place in April 2026.
Looking ahead, he revealed plans to release a "big package" called the 'July Charter,' aimed at "rebuilding the nation's democratic institutions." This package would be focused towards overhauling democratic institutions after Hasina's tenure.
'We want to say goodbye to the old Bangladesh and create a new Bangladesh,' he said.
The charter, he added, is being drafted by a government-led 'consensus commission' that is actively consulting political parties to find common ground. 'We are trying to find that which are the recommendations they will accept,' said Yunus.
During his time in London, Yunus is also expected to meet Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), widely tipped to win the upcoming polls.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Kenya protests after 31-year-old blogger dies in police custody; demonstrators met with tear gas
Kenyan security forces on Thursday fired tear gas against demonstrators protesting a death in police custody, clashes that threatened to overshadow government attempts to pass a budget without sparking unrest. The government carefully prepared its new finance bill with the aim of avoiding the massive protests over tax hikes that engulfed Kenya a year ago. But the death of 31-year-old teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody last weekend, following his arrest for criticising a senior officer online, has reawakened anger over police brutality in the east African country. "You can't kill one of us in prison and then expect us to just lie down," said Tiffany, 22, a protester in Nairobi's business district who gave only her first name. Hundreds of protesters were spread in small groups across Nairobi's business district, some throwing rocks at police who fired back with tear gas, while at least two cars were set alight. AFP reporters saw at least three people wounded by rubber bullets, with one of them taken to hospital. The unrest was limited compared to last year's protests which peaked when thousands stormed parliament on June 25, forcing President William Ruto to cancel a finance bill that would have raised taxes on many everyday items. At least 60 people were killed in the weeks of youth-led protests in June and July 2024, and rights groups say dozens more were illegally detained by security forces in the aftermath. The east African nation is a regional economic powerhouse but tensions have simmered over a rising cost of living, a stagnant job market and rights abuses. This year, the government played it safe with its finance bill, focusing on tax hikes on businesses rather than consumers. Finance Minister John Mbadi acknowledged last year's protests had highlighted "the importance of values and principles of governance". He called for a minute of silence in parliament for protesters who had lost their lives. "To win public trust, we have strengthened public participation in all policy formulation, including the budget-making process," he said, referring to a new online portal in which citizens could give their views. But there was anger last month when a software designer was arrested for creating her own website that criticised the budget and allowed people to email the government with complaints. Kenya faces a daunting task in boosting social services and investment when its heavy debts mean interest payments outweigh its spending on health and education. Analysts say the new budget is unlikely to provoke the public anger of last year. It seeks to boost revenues by cutting government spending and closing tax loopholes, though critics say it still includes backdoor price increases and that will hurt small businesses. "This year's finance bill is, in comparison to last year's, very much seeking to avoid controversy," said Patricia Rodrigues of global consultancy Control Risks. But increases in income taxes and social contributions will hit businesses, she said. In a difficult global environment, the World Bank has reduced its growth projections for Kenya from 5.0 to 4.5 percent in 2025. Rights abuses have become a volatile issue. Ojwang, the teacher who died in police custody, was arrested for criticising deputy inspector-general Eliud Kipkoech Lagat in online posts. "What we are demanding is for the deputy inspector general to resign, and then he should be arrested," said protester Anami Daudi Toure, 27, on Thursday. A police watchdog, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, said Thursday that 20 people had died in custody in the past four months.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Air India plane crash: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio 'heartbroken' over fatal tragedy that left over 200 dead
A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in a residential area in Ahmedabad minutes after taking off. The aircraft, carrying 242 people, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed immediately after takeoff on Thursday afternoon. More than 200 people are feared killed. There were 169 Indians, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals onboard apart from 12 crew members. Police said there appeared to be no survivors, according to news agency AFP. Several videos posted online showed an aircraft rapidly losing altitude -- with its nose up -- before it hit a building and exploded into an orange ball of fire. Authorities said it went down outside the airport perimeter, in a crowded residential area while an AFP reporter in the city said the plane crashed between a hospital and the city's Ghoda Camp neighbourhood. ALSO READ: Air India plane crash: What is Mayday call that pilot issued before fatal tragedy in Ahmedabad? Marco Rubio on Air India plane crash UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio were among scores of world leaders who offered condolences to the people of India in wake of the plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday. "Heartbroken to hear the news of a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My prayers are with all who lost their loved ones in this horrible incident." Live Events — SecRubio (@SecRubio) Investigators with the US National Transportation Safety Board will travel to assist Indian counterparts probing the brutal Air India crash, the agency announced Thursday. "The NTSB will be leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist... with (the) investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India," the agency said on X, adding that under international protocols, "all information on the investigation will be provided by the Government of India." ALSO READ: 2024 US Presidential election is under scrutiny as lawsuit claims discrepancies in Rockland County, New York Meanwhile, the UK government said it was sending a team to support the investigation into the Air India crash in Ahmedabad that has killed more than 200 people. "The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has formally offered its assistance to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, India. We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian led investigation," the AAIB said in a statement. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
7 hours ago
- First Post
Indian football team: Crisis runs deeper than missing OCI players, retired legends; major changes needed
India's football team lost again and this time to lower-ranked Hong Kong in a crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier match. Many fans are blaming the ban on foreign-based Indian-origin players, but is that really the issue here? The real problem lies in poor planning, a weak youth system, and bad decisions by those running Indian football. read more Advertisement Indian football team sings the national anthem before a match. Image: AFP Another day, another defeat for the men's Indian national football team. This time, to a lower-ranked Hong Kong side. There has, unsurprisingly, been an outpouring of emotion and frustration since. Fans have vented their displeasure. Bhaichung Bhutia, one of India's most famous footballers, has had a shot at the current regime too. But the overriding theme, somehow, has been that India's lack of success and development is because they have not allowed Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)/ Person of Indian Origin (PIO) players to be a part of the national team. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That could not be farther from the truth. These footballers could improve the team. But to argue that that is the only thing holding India back is to miss the whole point. Which, again, would not be unlike Indian football. One manager, two jobs Let's go back in time. When Manolo Marquez was appointed as the head coach. Appointed, reportedly, after bypassing the committee formed to decide on such matters, and while also being the manager of FC Goa. And no, this is not sarcasm, this is exactly how it was. Two concurrently running teams, and one 56-year-old manager. There was still optimism due to Marquez's experience in the ISL and working with Indian players. But if you cast a glance at him post the defeat to Hong Kong, all that was visible was a man broken and bereft of ideas. India have only won once under him and have failed to score in five matches (out of eight). Instead of working with what they had to resolve their goal-scoring problems, India went back to Sunil Chhetri. There is still no clarity on who hauled the legendary forward out of retirement. But by every possible marker, it felt like the wrong decision. And that assessment has not changed. Previous national team managers have often complained about Indian strikers not starting for ISL clubs. But maybe none of the strikers coming through are good enough, and that has to come down to the existing youth structure and its shortcomings – both in terms of how much they are playing, how much they are learning, and what they are learning. OCI/PIO players only a PR gimmick? There is also an issue of Indian footballers' inclination not to step out of their comfort zone. The financial aspect is, undeniably, a consideration and that is completely understandable. But it does lead to a paucity of good-quality players, given even the second or third division league in a European country might be of a better standard than what is found in India. And now, that has led to the advocacy of OCI/PIO players. Even though none of those who might be eligible instantly and might want to play for India are…strikers. That is not a guarantee of success either. Afghanistan and Pakistan have such provisions, but do not uproot trees on the continental stage. Compare that to a country like Uzbekistan, placed just two spots above India in 2018 in the FIFA rankings, but now dreaming of causing upsets at the World Cup next year. All because they invested in their youth structure and age-group teams, allowing that talent to percolate into the senior side. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The propaganda of bringing in OCI/PIO players thus seems a PR gimmick. Just to tap into some of the frustration, give it a cool new name, make it a fashionable fad, and give the average Indian football fan something to cling on to, ignoring how feasible and irrational it seems. While taking the focus away from what actually plagues the system. The seeds of this particular campaign were sown, most notably, by Kalyan Chaubey, the AIFF President, who also happens to be the face of the 'Vision 2047' football project, and offered, rather ludicrously, prize money if India were to win against Hong Kong. No qualification incentive, no cry for bragging rights or a fight for pride. But a financial objective. By an organization that is not exactly rolling around in cash and reportedly still holds debts to players. All of these attempts sound and look good, especially when social media influencers parade with it, swell their views, and link it to that proverbial awakening of the sleeping giant. But it does not benefit the national team, or the youth structure, nor does it make the nation a footballing force. A memo that the AIFF and its president have clearly missed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Deeper problems exist India, of course, seem light years away from calling themselves a force or using football and force in the same sentence. And they will drift further apart if they continue with this utopian idea in a country whose footballing structure is muddled (administratively, technically, you name it) at almost every possible juncture. A lot of this current approach, in not wanting to invest where investment is needed - especially when a cash-crunch exists - and instead hoping that an OCI/PIO player will rescue India from the doldrums, that someone reincarnated as Crisitano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi or Thierry Henry will spawn out of nowhere, is wishful thinking, at best. Just like papering over a crack. And very similar to Indian street food, where cheese is added to anything and everything to make it more presentable, and to ensure no one picks faults with what lies under it. This may sound crude, damning and scathing. And that is because it is. A sorry state of affairs, where the attention no longer is on whether the right questions are being asked and if the correct answers are being sought; rather, on whether any questions are being asked at all, and if there is any attempt being made to even come close to a solution, let alone arriving at it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Is the time already up? A new manager, a 40-year-old legend coming out of retirement, countless social media reels, and innumerable interviews without tangible action have not solved the current malaise. And it never will. Expecting a different result while repeating that same process of finding the latest PR tool to hang your hat on, along with just waiting for something to happen, is, to put things mildly, unwise. Time, tide, and football wait for none. It swats aside those who dawdle, and obliterates those looking for outward fixes and hoping for outlandish fantasy. And even though time running out might seem apt in the Indian footballing context, the AIFF has probably gone past that stage long, long ago.
