DHAKA, Bangladesh (Diya TV) — Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus will lead Bangladesh’s interim government, taking oath at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced. This development follows the resignation and subsequent flight of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid a mass uprising.
Yunus, 84, a renowned microfinance pioneer, will arrive in Dhaka on an Emirates flight from Dubai on Thursday afternoon, according to a press release from the Yunus Center. The interim government aims to stabilize the nation and oversee new elections.
In a statement, Yunus called for calm and urged the youth to prepare for nation-building. “I congratulate the brave students who took the lead in making our ‘Second Victory Day’ possible and to the people for giving your total support to them. Let us make the best use of our new victory. Let us not let this slip away because of our mistakes,” he said.
The decision for Yunus to head the interim government followed a critical meeting involving student protest leaders, military chiefs, civil society members, and business leaders. Hasina’s departure came after weeks of protests over a quota system for government jobs evolved into a broader challenge to her 15-year rule.
Student leaders, pivotal in organizing the protests, advocated for Yunus to lead the interim government. Nahid Islam, a key student leader, confirmed Yunus’s agreement to step in during their discussions.
Sheikh Hasina’s rule, although marked by economic growth, faced criticism for increasing authoritarianism. The protests that led to her resignation saw over 300 deaths in a crackdown on demonstrators. The violence escalated when 91 people died in clashes nationwide on Sunday, marking the deadliest day since the protests began in July.
The army’s role in the interim government remains unclear after the president dissolved Parliament to facilitate elections. General Waker-Uz-Zaman’s decision not to enforce a curfew called by Hasina was pivotal. The army’s refusal to open fire on civilians influenced Hasina’s decision to resign and flee to India.
Yunus, known as the “banker to the poorest of the poor,” has long been a critic of Hasina. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work with Grameen Bank, which he founded in 1983, Yunus has been instrumental in lifting thousands out of poverty through microcredit. However, his relationship with Hasina soured over the years, with her administration launching several investigations against him, which he claims were politically motivated.
Yunus faced numerous legal challenges during Hasina’s tenure, including charges related to labor law violations and accusations of embezzlement. Despite these challenges, Yunus’s supporters believe he was targeted due to his political opposition to Hasina.
The interim government’s formation aims to restore stability and prepare for new elections. Other members of the government will be selected following discussions with political parties and other stakeholders. The president has also ordered the release of opposition leader Khaleda Zia from house arrest, highlighting a move towards inclusivity in the interim administration.
Yunus’s return to Bangladesh comes at a critical juncture. His leadership is seen as a beacon of hope for many, given his track record in economic and social development. As the interim government prepares to take office, Yunus’s focus will likely be on addressing the immediate political crisis and laying the groundwork for a fair and transparent electoral process.
Bangladesh now stands at a crossroads, with the potential for significant political and social reform under Yunus’s interim leadership. The nation looks to its “second liberation day” with cautious optimism, hoping for a future marked by stability and progress.
