News Desk
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has voiced deep concern over Bangladesh’s political turmoil, warning that the country faces a long and uncertain road ahead despite the efforts of Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the interim government.
In an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), Sen underscored Bangladesh’s historical commitment to secularism and urged the nation to uphold its pluralistic values. He acknowledged that while the country has made significant progress in economic and social development, the current political crisis threatens to undermine these gains.
“The situation in Bangladesh affects me deeply because I have a strong Bengalee sense of identity,” Sen said, recalling his childhood years in Dhaka and frequent visits to ancestral homes in Manikganj and Bikrampur.
Sen, who has spent much of his career analyzing economic and political transformations, praised Bangladesh’s achievements since independence, particularly its rising per capita income, advancements in women’s rights, and improvements in life expectancy. However, he cautioned against political decisions that could deepen divisions, particularly any move to ban the Awami League, warning that such an action would mirror the very mistakes its critics have long condemned.
“I think Bangladesh should make the best use of its tradition of working together rather than attempting to sideline any particular group,” he said. “A broader perspective is needed.”
Sen was measured in his assessment of Yunus, acknowledging his capabilities but implying that his leadership comes with significant challenges. “Yunus is an old friend. I know he is highly capable and, in many ways, a remarkable human being. But if you suddenly become the head of a country, as Yunus effectively has, you must consider various factions. There are Islamic parties, and now Hindu factions as well,” he noted.
On the issue of communal tensions, Sen condemned attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh while also pointing to instances of violence against mosques in India. He warned against the dangers of selective outrage, recalling how communal tensions escalated in the 1940s and led to bloodshed. “There is nothing easier than fueling communalism by selectively amplifying certain incidents,” he said.
Despite his concerns, Sen expressed hope that Bangladesh could navigate its challenges and emerge stronger, emphasizing the resilience of its people and the country’s long-standing commitment to pluralism. “I am worried about Bangladesh, but I am not without hope,” he said.
