DHAKA, Aug 8, 2024 (BSS) - Noble laureate economist Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has urged the country's people to join hands with him to advance the country rapidly in his maiden address after reaching the country from Paris to take the charge of the interim government set to be formed this evening.
    
"Today is a glorious day for us . . . they (students) protected and gave rebirth to this country. Now our vow is to let the new Bangladesh march forward rapidly," he said just after landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) here.

A select gathering of civil society figures, including academics and student movement coordinators, were present on the occasion.

The eminent economist, who is set to be sworn in as the chief advisor to the interim government, termed the student-mass uprising as the country's "second independence" and said, "We have to protect it".

"Bangladesh has created new victory day today. We have to advance with more strength keeping that victory ahead," he said.

Dr Yunus expressed gratitude to the youngsters who made the change possible.

Recalling Abu Sayeed's (the first martyr of the student movement) supreme sacrifice, in an emotion choked voice, he said, "His image is etched in the heart of everyone. None could forget the incredible courage he showed by standing in front of gun. And no youth male or female was afraid after that."

Urging the people to protect this victory, Dr Yunus said, "The benefits of this independence must reach the doorsteps of the people. Otherwise, this freedom will be meaningless".

He also urged the student movement leaders to rebuild the country with their creativity as their wish, the eminent economist said, "The whole world will learn from you how youngsters can change a country."

Emphasizing on regaining the people's confidence in the government that the government would save them, not expose them to any stake and torture, Dr Yunus said, "The entire country is a big family. We want to walk altogether. We want to shun all indifferences and conflicts among us and bring back those who have been derailed. So, we can work together".

Noting the current law and order situation in the country, he said many people, including minority groups, are coming under attacks and different offices and establishments are being vandalized, which is a part of conspiracy.

"These are not our work. Our duty is to protect all," he added.

Terming the chaos and violence as the big enemy of progress, Dr Yunus said the people who have derailed should be brought to right path.

He urged the people not to take the law in their hands and said law enforcement agencies should be decorated in such a way that the people can trust them about solution to their problems.

"Restoring law and order situation is our first job. We can take further steps until law and order situation returns to normalcy," Dr Yunus said.

Urging the people to keep trust in him, he said, "If you have faith in me and trust me, then ensure that no one will be attacked anywhere in the country. This is our first responsibility. If you do not listen to me, then I have no utility here. Relieve me and let me do what I am doing and remain busy there," Dr Yunus added.

Pointing that Bangladesh could be a beautiful country, he said it has tremendous potential, which has been destroyed.

"Now we have to prepare the seedbed and rise again. They (the youth) will prepare the seedbed. We will look at them and move forward as per their direction," Yunus said.

He urged the government officials and armed forces members to work together so that "we can go ahead to build a beautiful Bangladesh rapidly".