Amartya Sen’s Hope for Bangladesh: Unity and Progress Amid Challenges

Renowned Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen has expressed serious worries about the situation in Bangladesh. He mentioned his friend Muhammad Yunus, who is currently leading the temporary government, is trying hard to solve the country’s problems but has a tough journey ahead. Sen feels a strong connection to Bangladesh because of his Bengali heritage and has spent lots of time there, especially in Dhaka and his ancestral homes in Manikganj and Bikrampur.

In an interview at his home in West Bengal, Sen praised the progress Bangladesh has made since it gained independence, noting improvements in income, lower birth rates, and longer life spans compared to India. He highlighted the country’s positive changes in women’s rights, which are supported by both the government and organisations like BRAC and Grameen Bank.

Sen also admires the relatively free press in Bangladesh, where many newspapers continue to thrive, even when they critique the government. He acknowledged the Bangladeshi Army for avoiding military rule, which is common in many other countries. Sen warned against banning the Awami League party, as this could lead to repeating past mistakes. Instead, he believes Bangladesh should bring people together and embrace its tradition of cooperation.

He expressed hope that future elections will be fairer and that the spirit of freedom and diversity will prevail in Bangladesh. When asked about Muhammad Yunus as the chief advisor, Sen said he trusts Yunus’s skills and commitment to secularism and democracy. Sen condemned violence against Hindu minorities and the destruction of temples in Bangladesh, stressing that both the government and citizens must work to prevent such acts. He also noted similar incidents have occurred in India, calling for an end to all forms of communal violence.

Sen urged everyone to remember the dangers of stirring up communal tensions, reminding us of the terrible riots in the 1940s. Overall, he is worried about the situation in Bangladesh but still holds onto hope for a brighter future.