While praising Dr Muhammad Yunus for his work in poverty alleviation, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad expressed scepticism about Bangladesh's current political transition. 

“The unity that was once seen to bring down Sheikh Hasina’s government is no longer visible in Bangladesh, even just a year after the uprising,” said Mahathir in a recent interview with UK-based news outlet ITV.

The interview, conducted by ITV journalist Mahathir Pasha, was published by bdnews24.com ahead of Mahathir Mohamad’s 100th birthday on 10 July.

In the interview, Mahathir said, “Dr Muhammad Yunus is a man of great stature. He deserved the Nobel Prize for what he has done and the initiatives he took for the poor. He never lusted for power; he simply worked for the impoverished.”

Despite his admiration for Dr Yunus, the veteran politician expressed reservations about Bangladesh’s democratic transition. “People were united in their desire to remove Sheikh Hasina, but there is no consensus on what kind of government they want to see next. Everyone wants their own opinion to be accepted by all. That’s where the problem lies. Now, divisions are emerging among the very people who once stood united,” he said.

Dr Yunus wishes to see Bangladesh become a member of ASEAN, but Mahathir is not hopeful. “The core issue is geographical. The current definition of Southeast Asia excludes Bangladesh by a significant distance. We must adhere to certain geographical limits, or else ASEAN would turn into a second United Nations. However, Bangladesh may join the ASEAN Plus format as a dialogue partner or observer. We talk to Japan, the UK, and the US—so it’s possible to talk to Bangladesh as well,” Mahathir added.

As Bangladesh approaches its next general election in the coming year, questions remain over the political future of the Awami League, which has ruled for 15 years. Asked whether the party should be allowed to participate in the next polls given Sheikh Hasina’s controversial tenure, Mahathir responded philosophically.

“This is one of democracy’s flaws. People do not always choose the best leader; sometimes they choose the wrong one. But if the people of Bangladesh think carefully before making their decision, I believe they can choose a good government,” he said.

On the Rohingya crisis, Mahathir reaffirmed Malaysia’s position, expressing sympathy for the persecuted Muslim minority in Rakhine. “Malaysia has done enough. We are not capable of doing more. We tried to persuade Myanmar, but we were not successful. Now, it is time for other countries to step forward,” he said.