Interim admin can go for maximum 4 years, Yunus tells Al Jazeera

The tenure of the interim government might be less than four years, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said during an interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday (November 17). 

Speaking on the sidelines of COP29 in Azerbaijan, Yunus emphasised that the interim government is a temporary arrangement aimed at facilitating state reforms and elections.  

"We are an interim government, not a perpetual one. A regular government lasts five years. The new constitution may say four years, probably because people want it to be faster. So, it [the interim government] should be under four years, that's for sure. It may be less," Yunus told Talk to Al Jazeera host Nick Clark when asked about the government's expected duration.  

Clarifying the tenure and intent 

In response to Clark’s observation that this tenure is close to an electoral term, Yunus clarified: "I didn't say that I'll be [the head of government] for four years. I'm saying this is the maximum we can go, but that's not our intention. Our intention is to get it done as quickly as possible."  

When asked whether he would stand for election, Yunus was firm: "No, I'm not a politician. I enjoy my role and what I’ve been doing at this stage of my life. I'm not going to change that."  

Views on Sheikh Hasina and extradition 

On Sheikh Hasina, currently residing in India, and her recent statements, Yunus expressed concerns: "She's making speeches calling for movements inside Bangladesh. This destabilises the country, and we’ve raised this issue with Indian authorities. Hosting her is fine, but they should ensure she doesn’t create problems for us."  

When reminded that Hasina continues to call herself the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Yunus said:  

 "She can call herself many things, but that’s not the reality. Even India refers to her as the ex-prime minister."  

Yunus confirmed that the interim government would pursue Hasina’s extradition if legal processes find her guilty: "Yes, because there's a legal process ongoing, and if she is found guilty, she will be subject to repatriation."  

Focus on reforms and state stability 

During the interview, Yunus also touched on other pressing issues, including state reforms, minority rights, climate change, and Bangladesh's position on global diplomacy.  

This reinforces his administration’s intent to prioritise reforms and ensure a swift transition to a stable political framework underpinned by public and political consensus.