Bangladesh's interim leader has refused to give a time frame for elections following the ouster of his autocratic predecessor, saying in an interview published on Tuesday that reforms are needed before polls.

Yunus, who took office amid widespread unrest, highlighted key priorities such as strengthening relations with neighboring countries, holding elections, reforming the constitution and addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis. He confirmed that reforms and elections remained essential before power could be handed over to elected representatives.

Muhammad Yunus, who heads Bangladesh's interim government, sat down with NHK World in New York last month for a rare exclusive interview.

Muhammad Yunus said he had inherited a "completely broken down" system of public administration that needed a comprehensive overhaul to prevent a future return to autocracy

Bangladesh interim government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said that Dhaka-Delhi relations should be "very close" despite the recent regime change in the country, asserting that it is in the interest of both countries.

Bangladesh's interim leader has refused to give a timeframe for elections following the ouster of his autocratic predecessor, saying in an interview published Tuesday that reforms are needed before polls.