The office of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus clarified on Tuesday that he has no desire to receive any title such as “National Reformer,” dismissing recent media attention surrounding a High Court writ petition.
The clarification came a day after the High Court issued a rule in response to a petition filed by journalist Imdadul Haque, a member of the Dhaka Union of Journalists. The petition requested the court to declare Professor Yunus as a “National Reformer” and those killed in the 2024 uprising—such as Shaheed Abu Sayeed, Mir Mugdho, and Wasim—as “National Heroes.”
In its Monday order, the High Court bench led by Justice Fahmida Khatun issued a rule asking why the individuals martyred in the July uprising should not be officially recognized as national heroes.
The court also questioned why the government should not publish an official gazette listing these martyrs based on a verified and reliable list. The Cabinet Secretary, Law Secretary, and other relevant officials have been given four weeks to respond.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Adviser’s Office issued a statement Tuesday stating that the matter has come to the government`s attention and that the government will respond to the rule once it formally receives the court’s directive.
The statement clearly asserted, “The government wishes to make it absolutely clear that Professor Yunus has no intention or desire to receive any such title, and the government has no plan to confer such an honorific upon him.”
It further stated, “The petition appears to be filed from a personal standpoint, and the basis for such a directive remains unclear.”
The statement also mentioned that the matter would be handled by the office of the Attorney General.
