Bangladesh’s Yunus warns of rising misinformation, calls for national unity ahead of elections on Independence Day eve speech

Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, addressed the nation on the eve of Independence Day and Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. He expressed concern over the spread of misinformation since the interim government assumed office, highlighting a sharp rise in rumours circulating across various media outlets.

According to the Dhaka Tribune, Yunus also warned against deliberate attempts to disseminate false information with the intention of destabilising the country. He cited examples of misattributed events and doctored images being circulated to incite civil unrest.

At the beginning of his speech, Yunus paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War, describing March 25 as a day of massacre that remains a dark chapter in the history of human civilisation.

“On this night in 1971, the Pakistani occupation forces brutally opened fire on innocent, unarmed, and sleeping Bangalees, killing thousands. From March 25 onwards, the people of this country took up armed resistance. Bangladesh achieved independence through a nine-month war,” he said.

Counter the spread of rumours

In his address, Yunus urged the public to counter the spread of rumours through awareness and unity.

He warned that as the upcoming election—yet to be scheduled—draws closer, misinformation would likely escalate. “You all know who is behind this phenomenon and why they are leading these efforts,” he said.

Yunus advised people to investigate the origins of any misleading rumours rather than dismiss them, explaining that “many experienced war strategists are working round the clock, spending unlimited resources to spread these rumours,” with the “main objective of thwarting the July Uprising.”

“Our overall unity is severely unsettling them. They want to divide us. You may not even recognise their innovative techniques or realise when you have become a pawn in their game,” he cautioned.

Yunus added: “Always keep in mind that we are in a war-like situation.”

China visit

Yunus also said that he will depart for China on a four-day visit, during which he will meet with President Xi Jinping and hold discussions with the CEOs of prominent Chinese business corporations.

He also added that Chinese solar panel manufacturer, LONGi, has shown interest in establishing a factory in Bangladesh, and that they are actively collaborating with them on this initiative.

In addition, they will address topics such as technical assistance, medical support, affordable healthcare, and other key areas.

Inflation control

Yunus also shared a positive outlook on inflation control, predicting that inflation would fall below 8% by June.

“In February, inflation dropped to 9.32%, the lowest in 22 months, and we expect it to decline further in the coming months,” he noted.

Yunus accused the previous administration of misappropriating $234 billion over the past 15 years, alleging instances of money laundering, including one case where $33.3 million was transferred to a child’s bank account under the pretext of educational expenses.

Technological progress

In a separate announcement regarding technological progress, Yunus said on Tuesday, a commercial deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned satellite internet network Starlink is set to be signed within three months to provide internet services.

“If Starlink is launched, no government will have the ability to shut down internet access or lock citizens out of the digital world,” said Yunus in a televised speech

Internal issues

Yunus also addressed internal issues, emphasising the detrimental impact of corruption.

“Like the people of this country, the international community wants us to be free from corruption because they seek to expand trade with us. Without eradicating corruption, business and trade will stagnate. Bangladesh has no future unless it becomes corruption-free,” he said.

Reaffirming his commitment to a transparent administration, Yunus pledged to “ensure that the current government term remains free from corruption” while also protecting citizens from “corruption fostered by government patronage in the future.”

Regarding politically motivated cases, he noted that “6,295 cases of politically motivated harassment filed during the previous fascist government’s tenure have been recommended for withdrawal,” with other similar cases being addressed gradually.

Yunus also mentioned that his administration had sought cooperation from the United Nations to combat the spread of rumours and disinformation. He added that UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who recently visited Bangladesh, had “assured us of his support.”

The interim government was formed after the regime of deposed premier Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a student-led mass protest, spearheaded by the now-defunct *Students Against Discrimination*, on 5 August 2024. Yunus, who was in France at the time, returned to Bangladesh and assumed the role of Chief Adviser three days later.