Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh`s interim government, discussed a range of issues including politics, reforms, elections, and the Rohingya crisis during an interview with the BBC while on a visit to the United Kingdom.

Professor Yunus, who received the British King Charles III Harmony Award on June 12 during his UK tour, spoke to BBC journalist Rajini Vaidyanathan prior to the award ceremony.

The interview touched upon critical aspects of Bangladesh`s political landscape:

The BBC`s Rajini Vaidyanathan questioned Professor Yunus about the interim government`s commitment to an inclusive and participatory election, particularly amidst criticisms that the Awami League, the party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is being prevented from participating.

Professor Yunus reiterated, "We have explained this many times, and I will say it again. Firstly, whether an election will be inclusive even without the Awami League was very well explained recently by the UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka. He said that `inclusive` means the participation of all people, not any specific party. As long as people can vote, it is inclusive."

When pressed on the significant public support for the Awami League, Professor Yunus stated, "Let them decide if they want to vote." He clarified that while voters are free to cast their ballots, they cannot vote for an Awami League candidate if the party is not allowed to participate.

He then made a crucial clarification: "We have not banned the Awami League yet." He added, "Let me make one thing clear – the Awami League has not been banned. Their activities have been temporarily suspended, which includes elections. This is temporary. Whether they will be in the elections depends on the decision of the Election Commission." When asked if this meant there was a possibility of their presence on the ballot, he again deferred to the Election Commission`s decision.

The interview then shifted to the whereabouts of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has reportedly sought refuge in India. Vaidyanathan asked if the interim government intends to bring her back to face the allegations against her.

Professor Yunus confirmed, "The trial has already begun; it is an ongoing process. The trial will proceed entirely through legal procedures. We want her to face justice. We will use international methods to bring her back – whatever means are available to bring an accused person back to the country, we will do that. It is a completely legal process."

When questioned about how she would be brought back, given his frequent meetings with Indian Prime Minister Modi, Professor Yunus responded, "By using the international system. We do not have the power to apprehend her."

The BBC journalist then asked if Professor Yunus was annoyed with Modi for allowing Sheikh Hasina and her associates, who face charges including crimes against humanity and corruption, to remain in India. Professor Yunus replied, "Her presence in India is not much of a problem for Bangladeshis. The problem is her voice; she regularly addresses the people of Bangladesh and disseminates her messages through the media." When asked if he believed India should do more to prevent these speeches, he stated, "That is what you are saying."

On Allegations of Suppression and Rohingya Crisis
Vaidyanathan highlighted concerns raised by some regarding the arrest of hundreds of Awami League supporters or sympathizers since the interim government took charge, asking if this constituted a similar suppression of critics.

Professor Yunus strongly refuted this comparison: "It would be shameful to say that. If you compare the interim government with the Awami League government, then you must understand that you do not understand Bangladesh, you do not understand the reality of Bangladesh. You do not understand what the Awami League is, and what the interim government is." When pressed that these were not his words but those of others, he insisted, "Okay, someone said it, but you have come to Bangladesh. So I am telling you this is absolutely not true."

The discussion concluded with the Rohingya refugee crisis. The BBC journalist, having visited the camps in Cox`s Bazar, described the dire conditions, lack of freedom, food struggles, reduced aid, and poor education for children. She questioned why the interim government was not doing more to help them.

Professor Yunus clarified the government`s stance: "We? We are trying to solve our internal problems. This is the responsibility of the international community." He emphasized his personal commitment as a Nobel laureate, stating, "I am doing my utmost. I visited the Rohingya camps with the UN Secretary-General, met with over a hundred thousand Rohingyas, discussed what should be done, and appealed to the world for assistance in their return. In that case, repatriation is the only solution. Everyone is now only busy with food and other assistance, but no one is talking about how to send them back to their own country."

When the BBC pointed out that repatriation might not be realistic given the refugees` fear of Myanmar`s military government and asked why Bangladesh was not trying to integrate the Rohingyas, Professor Yunus responded, "That will not be a solution." He elaborated, "People living around the camps are hostile towards the Rohingyas because they see that international aid is only coming for the Rohingyas, and Rohingyas seem to be living easily, whereas outsiders have to work hard."

He concluded by reiterating Bangladesh`s policy: "Bangladesh`s policy is not to allow them to settle permanently outside the camps. We have many problems of our own. We cannot bear the burden of another new population." He acknowledged their suffering but stressed that Bangladesh had opened its borders and accepted them, with the understanding that the international community would take care of them and even resettle them in other countries.