Yunus said that a National Consensus Commission has been established to gather input from political parties, and their recommendations will form the basis of a July Charter outlining agreed-upon reforms in the run up to elections between December and June.

In a televised address to the nation on the eve of Bangladesh’s Independence Day and Eid-ul-Fitr, Chief Adviser and head of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, described corruption as the “biggest problem” plaguing the country. Calling it a systemic issue that undermines governance, Yunus criticized the previous Awami League government, alleging that their actions elevated Bangladesh to global infamy for corruption.

“Corruption not only increases costs exponentially but destroys the efforts of both the government and its citizens,” he stated. “It renders meaningless all goals, policies, and institutional arrangements and undermines the responsibilities of public officials.”

Yunus lamented that corruption has become an unwritten rule by which government officials, businessmen, industrialists, and citizens alike are compelled to operate. “The world perceives us as a nation devoid of honesty, and this perception is not only a matter of national disgrace but also a suicidal issue for international trade,” he remarked.

A Call for Change

Highlighting the importance of reform, Yunus emphasized that eradicating corruption is essential for the country’s economic progress. “The international community also wants us to be free from corruption so that trade and commerce can thrive. Bangladesh has no alternative but to break free from this toxic cycle.”

He assured the public that his interim government prioritizes making all operations corruption-free, both during its tenure and beyond. “We are committed to ensuring that future governments remain free from systemic corruption. In our efforts, we are focusing on one key principle: preventing corruption and harassment at all levels of governance.”

In a bid to reduce corruption, Yunus announced the government’s initiative to introduce e-filing across all government offices. “If implemented effectively, e-filing will reduce corruption by making it possible to track where files are stuck within the system,” he explained. Additionally, he highlighted plans to expand online government services, reducing citizens’ dependency on intermediaries and reducing costs.

“Citizens often face extortion for accessing basic services. By launching online services, we aim to eliminate such suffering,” Yunus said, inviting suggestions from citizens on improving digital access. He also encouraged individuals to receive training and offer these digital services commercially, creating new opportunities for income generation.

Addressing Past Misuses of Power

Yunus also addressed the misuse of legal systems by the previous government to suppress dissent. “False cases were weaponized as tools of harassment,” he said. His government has taken steps to withdraw such politically motivated cases, with 6,295 harassment cases already recommended for withdrawal. Additionally, 413 cases filed under the controversial Cyber Security Act have been dropped, and the act itself is being replaced with a citizen-friendly alternative.

“We have also simplified the process of filing general diary (GD) entries,” Yunus noted. “Now, citizens can file a GD online without the need to visit a police station.”

Acknowledging the contributions of Bangladeshi expatriates, Yunus highlighted measures to reduce their hardships. Amendments to the Power of Attorney Rules now allow expatriates to complete transactions without requiring a Bangladeshi passport. Proof of birth or a national identity card suffices under the revised rules.

The government has also streamlined the process of purchasing air tickets online, which has reduced prices by 50-75%. This has been particularly beneficial for expatriates in the Middle East. “These changes demonstrate our commitment to making lives easier for expatriates who play a critical role in our economy,” he added.

Revenue Reform

Yunus announced initiatives to digitize land services, a sector long plagued by corruption. Services such as land rent payment, registration, cancellation, and obtaining certified copies of land documents can now be accessed online. These programs, currently in the experimental stage, will be expanded to ensure transparency and efficiency.

“Our goal is to empower individuals and organizations to provide these services, creating employment opportunities for village graduates and homemakers,” he said. “By decentralizing these responsibilities, we aim to make services more accessible and citizen-centric.”

In another major reform, Yunus announced the dissolution of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Two new departments will replace it: the National Revenue Policy Board, responsible for policy formulation, and the National Revenue Collection Department, tasked with implementation. “This will eliminate opportunities for revenue evasion, which has cost the country thousands of crores,” he asserted.

Preparing for Elections

Describing Bangladesh as the eighth-largest country in terms of population, Yunus underlined the potential of its youth. “Our 170 million people, particularly the youth, are our greatest asset. By removing barriers and unleashing their creativity, we can become a global economic powerhouse,” he said.

The government has already begun leveraging technology to improve services. “We have abolished the police verification requirement for passports, making the process significantly faster,” he said. “So far, 70,000 delayed passports have been issued. We’ve also launched electronic passports, with plans for home delivery in the near future.”

Turning to the upcoming general elections, Yunus reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent process. “The polls will be held sometime between December this year and June next year,” he stated, emphasizing that this election must be the most credible in the country’s history.

He noted that the Election Commission (EC) is making comprehensive preparations and that political parties have responded positively to proposed reforms. A National Consensus Commission has been established to gather input from political parties, and their recommendations will form the basis of a July Charter outlining agreed-upon reforms.

In closing, Yunus paid tribute to the martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and expressed hope for a brighter future. “This is the era of technology and creativity,” he said. “We are committed to creating opportunities for all citizens, particularly the youth, and ensuring that the government serves its people efficiently and transparently.”

Yunus urged all citizens to embrace the changes and work collectively to eliminate corruption. “Together, we can build a Bangladesh that is free from the shackles of corruption and ready to compete on the global stage,” he concluded.