In a dramatic turn of events in Bangladesh, economist Muhammad Yunus has been sworn in as the head of the country’s interim government. The ceremony took place on Thursday night in Dhaka, just three days after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country due to escalating protests.
Political Turmoil and Yunus’s New Role
The political situation in Bangladesh has been volatile following weeks of student-led protests. These protests initially called for an end to a quota system for government jobs but quickly escalated into broader anti-government demonstrations. In the face of growing unrest, Sheikh Hasina stepped down from her position and left the country, leading to a power vacuum.
Muhammad Yunus, known for his pioneering work in microcredit and founder of Grameen Bank, was appointed as the chief advisor of the interim government, a role similar to that of a prime minister. The oath-taking ceremony was conducted by Bangladesh’s figurehead President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the presidential palace in Dhaka.
The event was attended by foreign diplomats, civil society members, top businessmen, and former opposition party members, though representatives from Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, were notably absent.
Yunus’s Appeal for Peace
Upon his arrival in Bangladesh earlier that day, Yunus made a heartfelt appeal to the people, urging them to maintain calm and put an end to the violence. He emphasized that restoring peace was his top priority and called on citizens to ensure no attacks were carried out against anyone in the country. Yunus highlighted the potential for Bangladesh to move forward but stressed that stability was crucial for the country’s progress.
In his address at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Yunus stated, “What I would like to stress first is to save the country from chaos. Save the country from violence so that we can move forward on the path that the students have shown us.”
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International Response and Next Steps
As Yunus steps into his new role, there is a global focus on the situation in Bangladesh. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Yunus, expressing hope for a swift return to normalcy and the protection of minority communities in Bangladesh. Modi also reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with Bangladesh to achieve peace and development.
The key tasks now facing Yunus include restoring peace in the country and preparing for upcoming elections. As Bangladesh navigates this challenging period, the interim government led by Yunus will play a crucial role in stabilizing the nation and addressing the demands of the protesters.
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