Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has said the regime led by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina destroyed everything, as he pledged to hold a general election only after ushering in constitutional and judicial reforms, including an electoral overhaul, reports BSS.

"We need comprehensive reforms in the economy, governance, bureaucracy and judiciary [before holding elections]," the chief adviser said in an exclusive interview with the Japanese newspaper Nikkei Asia published on Saturday.

Bangladesh`s interim government has established several commissions to promote reforms in areas such as the electoral system, constitution and judiciary, he said.

Yunus said the government will implement full-scale reforms after receiving recommendations from those commissions by January.

He said: "Implementing these reforms will take time, as we are essentially building a new Bangladesh from scratch."

Asked if he will contest the election, he rejected the idea, saying: "No, I`m not a politician. I`ve always stayed away from politics."

"Individuals who uphold principles, follow rules and procedures, and are free from corruption should stand for election,” he added.

Yunus said: "The country`s governance structure has been completely destroyed during Hasina`s 15-year rule, and a huge task has fallen on us to rebuild it by restoring democracy, economic stability and public trust."

"Under her rule, democratic principles were entirely disregarded. She orchestrated sham elections with no voter participation for three consecutive terms, declaring herself and her party the winners unopposed and operated as a fascist ruler," he added.

In August, student-led protests against quotas in public service escalated into a demand for Hasina`s resignation after hundreds of demonstrators were killed.

She was forced to flee by helicopter to neighbouring India.

In October, the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh issued an arrest warrant for Hasina and others.

"Once the trial concludes and a verdict is reached, we will formally request India to hand her over," Yunus said, adding that under an international law signed by both countries, "India would be obligated to comply."

"On the diplomatic front, Bangladesh should build a strong and cooperative relationship with India," he said, adding that he proposed reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) which has been largely dormant due to strained relations between India and archrival Pakistan.

Turning to the Indian government`s concern about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, Yunus said: "Much of what`s being said about this issue is propaganda and not based on facts."