Yunus clarifies his position

He has categorically stated that he would not join as chief adviser of the caretaker government, no matter who requested him to do so. He feels there are competent people around us who can do the job. We are heartened by the fact that he has taken an unambiguous stance on an issue that is at best hypothetical.

This has set at rest speculations centring around him since his winning the Nobel prize. After having reached the stature of a Nobel laureate with worldwide renown and reputation, he should remain above all forms of controversy. In the event he were to join as chief of the caretaker government, howsoever he might have tried to play a neutral role, his name would still have been dragged into debate.

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Prof Yunus has also reiterated his commitment to the campaign for honest, clean and competent candidates for the forthcoming elections. He has been associated with the campaign since its launch and now extends his staunch support to the ongoing movement.

There is absolutely no doubt that sustainable economic development with a robust forward looking vision for Bangladesh will remain a far cry unless people with clean records and proven competence get elected to the parliament, the House of the people.

When he says these things as one who has greatly endeared himself to the people by winning the Nobel Peace Prize, his words are expected to have some influence on the choice of electoral candidates at party levels.

In the end, we would very much like to share Prof Yunus' optimism about a positive outcome to the dialogue to be sealed on return of the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader from abroad.