No place for Islamic extremism in Bangladesh: Dr Yunus
Islamic extremism will never find a place in Bangladesh again, said Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus recently.
'Such extremism has no place here. Our youth are highly enthusiastic and neutral when it comes to religion,' Yunus told Patrick Foulis, the foreign editor of The Economist. The conversation followed concerns raised by American and Indian officials about the potential resurgence of Islamic extremism in the country.
The interview coincided with Bangladesh being named The Economist's 'Country of the Year' for 2024, an annual recognition awarded to nations that demonstrate remarkable progress.
Praising Bangladesh's achievements, The Economist stated, 'For overthrowing a despot and making strides towards a liberal government, Bangladesh is our country of the year.'
In response to this honor, Yunus expressed pride and optimism: 'We are delighted to receive this recognition. The student uprising marked a turning point, and we are now focused on building a new Bangladesh. The youth are driving this transformation.'
When asked about his plans following the 2025 election, Yunus revealed his intention to return to his previous work. 'I was compelled to step away from my role and take on this responsibility. While I am honored to serve, I look forward to returning to my lifelong passion—working with young people and fostering global movements for change,' he said.
Bangladesh continues to stand as an example of resilience and progress, driven by its people’s determination to shape a brighter future.