Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate known for his work with microcredit, has been sworn in as Bangladesh’s interim leader. He assumes office following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a period of widespread unrest. Yunus’s arrival comes as the country seeks stability after days of protests and upheaval, culminating in Hasina’s departure and a power vacuum.
Yunus, who returned to Bangladesh from an overseas trip, was greeted by the country’s military chief and student leaders who spearheaded the uprising against Hasina’s government. He landed at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday afternoon, his arrival accompanied by tight security measures due to the ongoing unrest.
The student leaders, who proposed Yunus as interim leader to the country’s president, welcomed him with enthusiasm. Yunus, in his first public statement, emphasized the need for unity and peace, stating, “Bangladesh is a family. We have to unite it.” He reiterated his commitment to restoring order and avoiding repressive measures, vowing to steer the country towards a peaceful future.
His swearing-in ceremony took place later on Thursday evening, where he is expected to announce his new cabinet. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic community, including the Indian High Commissioner.
Prior to his return to Bangladesh, Yunus had issued an appeal for calm while in Paris, where he had been attending the Olympics. He expressed gratitude to the student protesters who brought about the change in leadership, stating, “They have made ‘our second Victory Day possible.’”
Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who serves as an adviser to his mother, declared that his family and the Awami League party would remain active in Bangladeshi politics, despite Hasina’s resignation and departure to India.
The path for Yunus’s interim leadership was cleared with the dissolution of Parliament on Tuesday. His immediate focus will be to oversee the organization of new elections, a crucial step in restoring democratic processes and ensuring a stable future for Bangladesh.
The country now stands at a crossroads, facing the challenging task of rebuilding and uniting after a period of turmoil. Yunus’s leadership and commitment to a peaceful transition hold immense significance as Bangladesh navigates this critical juncture in its history.
