Bangladesh's Top Adviser Talks Growth, Minorities, and Neighborhood Relations

Photo : AP

New Delhi: In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Sharmeen Murshid, the new adviser for social welfare in Bangladesh, discussed the sweeping "fundamental, philosophical" reforms the country is undergoing. These changes are aimed at revitalizing the nation after years of entrenched corruption under the ousted Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Murshid, a senior adviser to Muhammad Yunus, the chief of the caretaker government, offered insight into the critical issues Bangladesh must address to overcome its troubled past. She emphasized the government's primary goals: restoring law and order, creating conditions for fair democratic elections, establishing good governance, and achieving stability.

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One key indicator of progress, Murshid noted, is the significant rise in remittance collections this month. This surge suggests growing confidence among Bangladeshis in the country's recovery from political and economic instability.

Murshid highlighted the need for reform, pointing out that previous economic data was misleading. "We had been operating under false GDP figures, with inflation rates unknown to us, and dwindling foreign reserves," she said. She assured that substantial reforms are imminent, although specific details will be announced in due course.

The rise in remittance inflows, the highest in three years, is seen as a positive sign of confidence in the new government and an indicator of economic stabilization.

Murshid praised Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus for his international reputation and his role in rebuilding the country. "Our chief adviser's credibility and acceptance both domestically and internationally are crucial. People are motivated and ready to rebuild the country and its economy," she said. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, she expressed optimism about the country’s future stability.

Regarding recent attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, Murshid acknowledged that while violence has occurred, it was not predominantly due to communal reasons but rather linked to political affiliations. She addressed the August 11 protests by Hindu communities against perceived attacks, stating that these were rooted in political conflict rather than religious animosity. 

Murshid rejected the notion of large-scale communal targeting, explaining that the violence stemmed from political instability rather than religious tensions. "The violence was politically motivated, not communal," she clarified. She urged Indian media to understand this context, emphasizing that political conflicts have been mistaken for religious conflicts.

She stressed that Bangladesh is not a communal nation but has faced challenges due to political exploitation of communal issues. Murshid appealed for greater sensitivity and understanding from the Indian audience, noting the interconnectedness of South Asian countries in terms of communal and political issues.

In recent developments, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned earlier this month amid escalating protests demanding her resignation. Hasina’s resignation followed weeks of student-led demonstrations against government job quotas, which grew into a larger movement against her rule. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had boycotted the January elections, accusing Hasina’s Awami League of orchestrating fraudulent elections.

Bangladesh's economy, once a star performer thanks to its booming garment sector, has stagnated with inflation around 10 percent and dwindling dollar reserves. In the wake of Hasina’s departure, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has proposed Muhammad Yunus as the head of the caretaker government.

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