Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, saying the situation is personally significant to him due to his deep ties to the country.
Speaking in an interview with PTI at his home in Shantiniketan, West Bengal, Sen said that while Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim chief advisor, is taking important steps, there is still a long way to go to resolve the crisis.
“The situation in Bangladesh affects me deeply because I have a strong Bengali identity,” Sen said. “I spent much of my childhood in Dhaka, started school there, and often visited my ancestral home in Manikganj. Like many others, I am worried about how Bangladesh will navigate its current challenges.”
Sen acknowledged Bangladesh’s significant progress since gaining independence, noting that at one point, the country’s per capita income had even surpassed India’s. He praised its advancements in healthcare, reduction in birth rates, and improvement in life expectancy, highlighting the contributions of NGOs like BRAC and Grameen Bank.
Sen also commented on the importance of press freedom, noting that despite political tensions, Bangladeshi newspapers remain relatively independent, often taking strong anti-government positions. Additionally, he commended the
Bangladeshi Army
for avoiding military rule, unlike in many other countries.
Despite these achievements, he warned against political instability, particularly the banning of the Awami League, arguing that such actions would repeat past mistakes. “Bangladesh should focus on working together rather than sidelining any particular group. A broader perspective is necessary,” he said while adding that he hoped the Bengali commitment to freedom and pluralism would persist. “I hope future elections will be more visibly free than many claim they have been. I am worried about Bangladesh, but I am not without hope,” he said.
On the role of Muhammad Yunus, Sen said, “Yunus is an old friend. I know he is highly capable and, in many ways, a remarkable human being. He has made strong statements about Bangladesh’s secularism and democratic commitment.” However, he said, there were various factions to consider, when leading a country.
Sen also condemned attacks on Hindu minorities and the destruction of temples, stressing that it is the responsibility of both the government and the public to prevent communal violence. “Bangladesh has historically taken pride in its treatment of minorities, keeping communal forces in check. Unfortunately, similar religious attacks have occurred in India as well. Such incidents must stop,” he urged.
Drawing from history, Sen warned about the dangers of selective publicity. “ This is how the Hindu-Muslim riots of the 1940s escalated, leading to bloodshed. We must reflect on our past and consider our future in that light, he concluded.
