Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has voiced deep concerns over the current political situation in Bangladesh, highlighting the challenges faced by his friend Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser to the country’s interim administration. Sen acknowledged Yunus’s efforts in implementing significant changes but emphasized the long road ahead in resolving the crisis.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with PTI at his Santiniketan residence in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, Sen expressed his strong emotional connection to Bangladesh. He recalled his early education in Dhaka and frequent visits to his ancestral home in Manikganj, as well as Bikrampur on his maternal side. Given this deep personal connection, he said he was greatly affected by Bangladesh’s current predicament and concerned about its path forward.
Sen underscored the importance of Bangladesh’s commitment to secularism, noting that the country has historically kept sectarian movements like Jamaat under control. He stressed the need to uphold this tradition in navigating present challenges.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s progress since its independence, Sen praised its economic and social advancements. He pointed out the country’s achievements in per capita income, which at one point surpassed India’s, as well as improvements in birth rates and life expectancy. Additionally, he acknowledged Bangladesh’s strides in promoting women’s rights, crediting both government initiatives and non-governmental organizations such as BRAC and Grameen Bank.
Sen also remarked on the relatively free press in Bangladesh, recognizing the resilience of newspapers that continue to operate despite strong anti-government positions. Furthermore, he commended the Bangladeshi Army for its restraint in avoiding military rule, setting it apart from many other nations with similar histories.
Addressing political developments, Sen cautioned against banning the Awami League, arguing that such a move would only replicate past mistakes. Instead, he advocated for a more inclusive approach, emphasizing Bangladesh’s tradition of cooperation and pluralism. He expressed hope that future elections would be more transparent and credible than some critics have suggested. While he acknowledged his concerns, he remained optimistic about Bangladesh’s ability to overcome its current challenges.
Sen strongly condemned attacks on Hindu minorities and the vandalism of temples in Bangladesh, stressing that both the government and the public must take responsibility for preventing such violence. He pointed out that Bangladesh has historically taken pride in protecting its minorities and restraining communal forces. At the same time, he highlighted the unfortunate reality of mosque attacks in India, emphasizing that such incidents must cease on both sides of the border. He warned against the dangers of selective amplification of communal incidents, recalling how similar patterns fueled the Hindu-Muslim riots of the 1940s, leading to widespread bloodshed.
Regarding Muhammad Yunus’s leadership, Sen described him as a highly capable and remarkable individual. He noted Yunus’s strong commitment to secularism and democracy but acknowledged the complexities of governing a country with diverse factions, including Islamic and Hindu groups. Despite these challenges, Sen expressed confidence in Yunus’s ability to navigate the situation effectively.
Ultimately, Sen reiterated his belief in Bangladesh’s resilience, urging the country to uphold its traditions of freedom and pluralism. While acknowledging the difficulties ahead, he remained hopeful that positive change was possible.