Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus was sworn into office on Thursday (August 8) to lead Bangladesh’s interim government as its chief adviser. This came days after a student-led uprising ended the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina. Yunus took the oath at the presidential palace in the capital, Dhaka, in front of political leaders, civil society leaders, generals, and diplomats. More than a dozen members of his cabinet, who are titled advisers and not ministers, also took the oath.
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to write, “My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities.” He reiterated India’s dedication to its partnership with Bangladesh, saying, “India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfil the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security and development.” Modi also addressed concerns about minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, who have faced attacks on their properties following Hasina’s departure. “We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities,” Modi said.
China welcomed the formation of Bangladesh’s interim government while reaffirming its principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. “China has noted the establishment of an interim government of Bangladesh and welcomes this,” a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry stated on Friday (August 9). The spokesperson stressed Beijing’s respect for “the development path independently chosen by the Bangladeshi people.” China signalled its intent to maintain and strengthen its ties with Bangladesh. “China attaches importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations,” the foreign ministry spokesperson added.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday posted on X saying, “Heartiest felicitations to professor Muhammad Yunus[…]Wishing him great success in guiding Bangladesh towards a harmonious and prosperous future. I look forward to working with him to deepen cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh in the days ahead.” Bangladesh seceded from Pakistan in 1971.
The United States also welcomed the new government under Yunus, expressing hopes for a peaceful and democratic transition in Bangladesh. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller conveyed Washington’s readiness to support the interim administration. “We welcome Dr. Yunus’s call for an end to the recent violence and we stand ready to work with the interim government and Dr. Yunus as it charts a democratic future for the people of Bangladesh,” Miller said during a press briefing on Thursday. The US has had a complex relationship with Sheikh Hasina, whose tenure was marked by increasing tension with Washington over her government’s democratic record.
The European Union joined the chorus of international responses, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell offering a positive outlook on the new interim government. “The EU looks forward to engaging with the new administration and to supporting this critical transition which should be part of a peaceful and inclusive process underpinned by good governance, democratic values and respect for human rights,” Borrell said in a statement.
With inputs from AFP.
