I have full confidence in Yunus's capabilities to overcome ongoing challenges: Amartya Sen

Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen has expressed deep concern about Bangladesh's current situation and its ability to address future challenges.

In an interview with a news agency PTI at his residence in Santiniketan, West Bengal, Sen shared his thoughts on Bangladesh, its politics, Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Awami League, and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. 

When asked about Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Sen described him as an old friend and a remarkable individual with immense capabilities. "Dr. Yunus has delivered strong messages about secularism and democracy in Bangladesh," he said. Sen acknowledged the challenges Yunus faces as the country's leader but expressed full confidence in his ability to overcome them. "If you suddenly become the head of a country, as Yunus has, you have to consider many factors. There are Islamic parties, and now Hindu parties as well. I have complete faith in Dr. Yunus's capabilities."

He emphasized the importance of maintaining secularism in Bangladesh and noted that Jamaat, a religion-based political party, had previously been under surveillance.

Sen stated, "The situation in Bangladesh deeply affects me because I have a strong Bengali identity. I spent a significant part of my childhood in Dhaka, where I began my education. Apart from Dhaka, I frequently visited Manikganj, my ancestral home, and Vikrampur, my mother's birthplace, especially Sonargaon. These places hold great personal significance for me. Like many others, I am concerned about how Bangladesh will tackle its future challenges."

Amartya Sen spent much of his early life in Dhaka, where he began his formal education at St. Gregory's School before moving to Rabindranath Tagore's school in Santiniketan. He praised Bangladesh's economic progress and its military for refraining from attempting to seize power, unlike in many other countries where militaries often intervene in politics.

Referring to the fall of former autocratic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following a mass uprising on August 5 last year, Sen expressed his hope for a more inclusive political environment in Bangladesh. He said, "There is a tradition of working together in Bangladesh. I hope this continues, and no specific party is pushed aside. I hope Bengali independence and pluralism will endure. I also hope future elections will be more impartial than previous ones, which were claimed to be fair. There is room for change. I am concerned about Bangladesh, but I am not hopeless."

Sen also addressed the alleged persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, noting that while such incidents may occur, Indian media has propagated exaggerated narratives about minority oppression in Bangladesh. He said, "Minorities are an important issue because Bangladesh takes pride in ensuring justice for them and keeps parties like Jamaat under surveillance. Unfortunately, attacks on mosques also occur in India. Such incidents, whether in Bangladesh or India, must stop."