Tag:Muhammad Yunus

Critics accuse the interim government of failing to protect minorities and civil rights, amid allegations of arbitrary arrests. The withdrawal of the CAT reservation is seen as a crucial reform, potentially aiding over 1,000 custody deaths and 677 disappearances reported during Hasina’s era.

The meeting came amid a broader push by both countries to reinvigorate bilateral ties – spanning trade, defence cooperation and connectivity – in what Karachi and Dhaka describe as a “reset” in relations.

In a significant announcement, Yunus declared that the interim government would formally request the Election Commission to organise the national election in February 2026, prior to the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

The high-stakes meeting brought together 20 leaders from various political parties and organisations in two separate sessions, as Yunus sought to shore up support amid reports of internal tensions within his interim government and growing external pressure.

The army, which played a key role in ushering in the interim setup, has grown wary of Yunus's intentions.

The Nobel Laureate vowed that the next election would be the best in the country’s history. Yet uncertainty looms large, particularly over whether the Awami League, the party led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, will be allowed to participate.

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.

Amnesty International has also sounded the alarm, calling on donor countries to step up financial support. According to UNHCR, 95 per cent of Rohingya households depend on humanitarian aid, and food ration reductions will push them deeper into hunger and insecurity.