US Senator Gary Peters today met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. Photo: PID
Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has stated that his government is committed to protecting the human rights of all citizens, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or gender.
He emphasized that the attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, following last August’s power transition were politically motivated rather than religiously driven. However, he assured that swift action had been taken against the perpetrators.
Dr. Yunus made these remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka.
Inviting the U.S. Senator to visit different cities in Bangladesh, Dr. Yunus urged other American political leaders, journalists, and activists to travel to the country to witness firsthand the true state of religious harmony.
During their hour-long discussion, the two leaders exchanged views on mutual interests and explored ways to strengthen the relationship between the two friendly nations.
Senator Peters inquired about the interim government’s reform initiatives, the findings of key commissions, and plans for ensuring free and fair elections. In response, the Chief Adviser stated that elections would be held in December if political parties agreed to a minimal set of reforms.
Dr. Yunus further assured that the elections would be free, fair, and festive, much like in the past. He added that major celebrations would take place on election day and that political parties would sign the July Charter after key commissions agreed on the proposed reforms. This charter, he said, would define the country’s future course. Senator Peters commended the government’s reform efforts and expressed the U.S.’s keen interest in seeing a smooth democratic transition in Bangladesh.
Referring to his home state of Michigan, which includes the city of Detroit, the senator mentioned that many Bangladeshi-Americans reside there. Some of them had expressed concerns about recent attacks on minorities. He noted that widespread misinformation had been circulating regarding these incidents, even reaching the U.S., thereby causing distress among minority communities.
In response, Dr. Yunus said, “We need your help. Please encourage your friends to visit Bangladesh. This is how we can combat misinformation.”
The two leaders also discussed social business, a world free from poverty, and the role of microfinance as a tool in the fight against poverty in both the U.S. and other parts of the world.
