Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is confident that Islamic extremism has no future in Bangladesh, pointing to the country’s enthusiastic youth as a force for positive change. In a recent interview with The Economist, Yunus emphasized the neutral stance of young people towards religion and their crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.
BY PC Bureau
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is confident that Islamic extremism has no future in Bangladesh, pointing to the country’s enthusiastic youth as a force for positive change. In a recent interview with The Economist, Yunus emphasized the neutral stance of young people towards religion and their crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.
“I can assure you that this will not happen. These are very enthusiastic young people who are largely neutral about their religion,” Yunus told Patrick Foulis, foreign editor of The Economist, during an interview.
Yunus’s comments came in response to concerns raised by both American and Indian officials, who had warned of the potential return of Islamic extremism in Bangladesh.
The interview was conducted in light of Bangladesh being named The Economist’s Country of the Year for 2024, a prestigious title given annually to the nation that has made the most significant progress.
In explaining Bangladesh’s selection, The Economist stated: “For toppling a despot and making strides toward a more liberal government, Bangladesh is our country of the year.”
Reacting to the accolade, Yunus expressed pride in the nation’s achievements. “We are delighted. We feel proud of the big change we’ve made, especially after the student uprising. Since then, we have been working to create a new Bangladesh,” he said.
Devils on Earth! Why is the MSM Not Reporting This!?
Jihadi Ibrahim kidnapped a 5-year-old Hindu little boy from Charbagh railway station and took him to a warehouse where he r*ped and murdered him.
As if his crime was not horrific enough, when the police and the mother of the… pic.twitter.com/fSCrm81XtL
— Amy Mek (@AmyMek) December 20, 2024
Yunus emphasized the role of youth in shaping the future of the country. “Young people can change the world,” he stated. “It’s not just about changing one country. What Bangladesh has done is an example of how powerful this young generation can be. We must pay attention to them.”
He also stressed the importance of empowering young women, noting their crucial involvement in the country’s recent struggles. “Young girls played an essential role in the uprising, standing on the frontlines alongside their peers. We need to ensure both young girls and boys have the opportunities to realize their potential.”
Yunus highlighted the achievements of some of the young leaders from the uprising, who now serve in his cabinet. “Three of the young leaders from the uprising are now in my cabinet, and they are doing an excellent job. They are not the young people of the past—they are the young people of this century. They are as capable as anyone else.”
When asked about his plans following the 2025 elections, Yunus responded, “I was actually pulled away from my work. I was doing what I loved, which is why I was in Paris. But I was brought back to do something else. Once the election is over, I’ll be happy to return to my previous work, the one I’ve always enjoyed and the work that resonates with young people. I will return to the team and movement I helped foster worldwide.”
