Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government on Thursday night, a significant development following days of unrest in the country. Yunus, renowned for his pioneering work in microfinance and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, was appointed by President Mohammed Shahabuddin after being recommended by student protesters. The new caretaker government, led by Yunus as Chief Advisor, assumes power just three days after Sheikh Hasina was removed from her position as Prime Minister.
Yunus, who had been receiving medical treatment in Paris, returned to Bangladesh earlier on Thursday. He addressed a crowded press briefing at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, emphasizing the need for unity and a return to peace. “If you have faith in me and trust me, then ensure that there will be no attack anywhere in the country. This is our first responsibility,” he stated.
Yunus expressed his vision for a brighter future for Bangladesh, highlighting its immense potential. “Bangladesh could be a beautiful country. It has tremendous potential, which has been destroyed. Now, we will have to prepare the seedbed, and we have to rise again. You, the youth, will prepare the seedbed. We will look up to them and move forward as per their direction,” he said.
He referred to Hasina’s ouster as the ‘second liberation day,’ stating that the benefits of this newfound freedom must reach every home in Bangladesh.
The swearing-in ceremony, attended by diplomats from various countries including the UK, China, Japan, and the UAE, marked a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. While members of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League were absent, representatives of her rival, Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), were present at Bangabhaban.
The interim government consists of 17 advisors, including Yunus. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his well wishes to Yunus in a message on X, stating his hope for a swift return to normalcy and the safety of Hindus in the violence-stricken nation. India reiterated its commitment to working with Bangladesh to promote peace, security, and development.
This unexpected turn of events in Bangladesh has garnered global attention, with the international community watching closely as the new interim government navigates the challenges ahead.
