In a recent interview with India’s leading news agency PTI, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen expressed concern over the potential banning of the Awami League, warning Professor Muhammad Yunus that such a move would mirror the same mistakes critics have accused the Awami League government of making. 

“Bangladesh should leverage its tradition of collaboration rather than marginalizing any particular group. A broader perspective is essential. I hope the Bengali commitment to freedom and pluralism will endure, and that future elections will be more transparently free than many claim they have been. There is room for improvement. While I am worried about Bangladesh, I remain hopeful,” Sen stated. 

Sen, who shares deep ties with Bangladesh, also voiced serious concerns about the country’s current situation, admitting that it has deeply affected him. He emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges ahead with wisdom and unity. 

Speaking to PTI, Sen praised Bangladesh for its success in controlling sectarian movements like Jamaat and urged the nation to uphold its strong commitment to secularism. He strongly condemned recent attacks on Hindu minorities and the vandalism of temples, stressing that both the government and the public have a shared responsibility to prevent such violence. 

“This is a critical issue because Bangladesh has historically taken pride in its treatment of minorities and its efforts to curb communal forces like Jamaat. Unfortunately, there have also been attacks on mosques in India. Such incidents, whether in Bangladesh or India, must be stopped,” he asserted. 

Sen also warned against the dangers of fueling communalism by selectively amplifying certain events. “There is nothing easier than inciting division by focusing on isolated incidents. This is how the Hindu-Muslim riots of the 1940s spiraled into widespread bloodshed. We must learn from our past and shape our future with that understanding. Selective publicity can be extremely dangerous,” he cautioned. 

Reflecting on Bangladesh’s progress since independence, Sen highlighted the nation’s significant achievements, including surpassing India in per capita income during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, a notable decline in birth rates, and higher life expectancy compared to India. These advancements, he noted, underscore the country’s potential for continued growth and development.