Bangladesh’s Nobel Prize-winning microfinance pioneer, Muhammad Yunus, has appealed for peace and stability as he prepares to lead an interim government following mass protests that forced long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. Yunus’s appointment came swiftly after student leaders called upon the 84-year-old, known for his efforts in lifting millions out of poverty, to guide the nation through its current crisis.
“Let us make the best use of our new victory. Let us not let this slip away because of our mistakes. I fervently appeal to everybody to stay calm. Please refrain from all kinds of violence,” Yunus stated on Wednesday, as reported by bdnews24. He further implored, “I appeal to all students, members of all political parties and non-political people to stay calm. This is our beautiful country with lots of exciting possibilities. We must protect and make it a wonderful country for us and for our future generations.”
Appeal for Unity and Peace
Yunus urged all citizens to work together for the betterment of Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of avoiding violence. “Our youth is ready to give this leadership in creating a new world. Let us not miss the chance by going into any senseless violence. Violence is our enemy. Please don’t create more enemies. Be calm and get ready to build the country,” he added.
Formation of the Interim Government
The decision to appoint Yunus as the leader of an interim government was reached during a meeting with President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders, and student representatives. “(They) decided to form an interim government with Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus as its chief,” stated Shahabuddin’s office. The President emphasized the necessity of quickly establishing the interim government to navigate the ongoing crisis.
Nahid Islam, a leader from Students Against Discrimination who participated in the meeting, confirmed that Yunus would assume the role of chief advisor. Islam described the meeting as “fruitful” and noted the president’s commitment to forming the interim government as swiftly as possible, though specific details about the government’s composition and the military’s role remain unclear.
Yunus’s Return and Vision
Currently in Europe, Yunus is expected to return to Dhaka on Thursday. He expressed his willingness to lead the interim government, stating, “If action is needed in Bangladesh, for my country and for the courage of my people, then I will take it.” Writing in The Economist, Yunus emphasized the need for a free and fair election within a few months and called for a new generation of leaders who are not fixated on past grievances. “Above all, we need young people who are not obsessed with settling scores, as too many of our previous governments were,” he wrote.
Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation and Aftermath
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 76, resigned on Monday amidst massive protests in Dhaka demanding her resignation. The unrest, which started over government job quotas, evolved into a broad anti-Hasina movement. The situation escalated when the military turned against her, forcing her to flee to neighboring India by helicopter. Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman declared on Sunday that it was “time to stop the violence.”
President Shahabuddin dissolved parliament on Tuesday, meeting another key demand from student leaders and the main opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP). The head of the police, held responsible by protesters for leading Hasina’s crackdown, was dismissed. The president’s office also announced the release of former Prime Minister and BNP leader Khaleda Zia from house arrest.
Release of Political Prisoners
The political shake-up included the release of several political prisoners, including Indigenous activist Michael Chakma, who had been secretly detained since 2019. The military also reshuffled its leadership, demoting generals aligned with Hasina and dismissing Ziaul Ahsan, a commander of the notorious Rapid Action Battalion.
Current Situation in Dhaka
Since Tuesday, the streets of Dhaka have seen a return to relative calm, with shops reopening and international flights resuming at the airport. However, government offices remain largely closed. Monday marked the deadliest day since the protests began, with over 455 fatalities reported since early July. Amidst the chaos, properties owned by Hindus, perceived by some as allies of Hasina in the predominantly Muslim nation, were also targeted.
