Yunus warns against misinformation and urges national unity
Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to Bangladesh's interim government, spoke to the nation on March 25, the eve of Independence Day. He honored the lives lost during the Liberation War, calling the day a tragic chapter in history. Yunus warned about rising misinformation since the interim government took office. He pointed out that rumors have increased across various media, which could lead to instability. In his speech, Yunus urged citizens to be aware of false information. He mentioned that this misinformation might grow as elections approach. Yunus stated that some people benefit from spreading these rumors to create division. He encouraged the public to investigate rumors instead of believing them right away. Yunus emphasized that the country is in a serious situation where unity is crucial. Yunus is planning a four-day trip to China soon. He will meet with President Xi Jinping and discuss various topics, including the interest from a Chinese solar panel company in establishing a factory in Bangladesh. He also reported a hopeful outlook for inflation, predicting it will drop below 8% by June. Currently, inflation is down to 9.32%, the lowest in almost two years. Yunus accused the previous government of misusing $234 billion and highlighted ongoing corruption issues. He stressed that for Bangladesh to thrive, it must become free from corruption. Yunus mentioned plans to sign a deal with SpaceX’s Starlink to provide internet services, stating that it would prevent governments from shutting down internet access. He also talked about addressing politically motivated cases from previous administrations. Yunus has sought assistance from the United Nations in tackling misinformation. The interim government was formed after a mass protest led to the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.