Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the chief adviser to the interim government in Bangladesh, a decision made by the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The announcement came on Tuesday in a video posted on social media by Nahid Islam, a key coordinator of the movement. Islam stated that Prof. Yunus accepted the responsibility at the request of the student community, aiming to stabilize the country amidst a political crisis. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the need for a swift response to restore order. The interim government, according to the student movement, will be headed by Dr. Yunus, chosen for his international recognition and widespread acceptance. This announcement follows the president’s declaration of forming an interim government after dissolving parliament, as well as the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from house arrest. The student movement has urged the president to promptly form the interim government under Dr. Yunus, with the names of other members to be revealed soon. The movement has also condemned the violence that has erupted across the country, attributing it to “ousted fascists and their collaborators” attempting to disrupt the revolution. In response to the widespread anarchy and insecurity, the students have called for immediate and effective action to restore law and order, pledging to assist law enforcement agencies. They have categorically stated that no government other than the one they propose will be acceptable, rejecting any military-backed or fascist government. The political unrest in Bangladesh reached a fever pitch on Monday when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina abruptly resigned and left the country, leaving a power vacuum filled by the Army. The news of Hasina’s departure sparked widespread public anger, leading to attacks on her residence, Sudha Sadan, and other government buildings. Violence extended to the homes and businesses of ministers, party MPs, and leaders of Hasina’s Awami League government, both in the capital Dhaka and outside. This outburst of violence reflects the deep-seated discontent with the previous government and highlights the immense task facing the new interim government led by Dr. Yunus.
