Bangladesh’s interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is set to take oath tomorrow, according to an announcement by the nation’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for 8 PM, marking a significant transition in Bangladesh’s political landscape following the violent ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
General Waker revealed that the advisory council led by Yunus might include 15 members. Yunus, who is widely recognized for his pioneering work in microfinance, was appointed by President Mohammed Shahabuddin to head the interim government on Tuesday. This appointment came in the wake of weeks of deadly protests that resulted in Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country.
Transition to Democratic Governance
In a televised address, General Waker expressed confidence in Yunus’s ability to navigate the nation through this challenging period. “He is very eager to do this,” the General stated. “I am certain that he will be able to take us through a beautiful democratic process and that we will benefit from this.”
Yunus, speaking to reporters before boarding a flight at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport, expressed his readiness to help stabilize the country. “I’m looking forward to going back home, see what’s happening, and how we can organize ourselves to get out of the trouble we are in,” he said.
Appeal for Calm and Peace
Following weeks of violence that claimed at least 455 lives, Yunus has called for calm. “If we take the path of violence everything will be destroyed,” he emphasized, urging the populace to refrain from further unrest.
The swift decision to appoint Yunus was made during a meeting involving President Shahabuddin, military leaders, and student representatives. Nahid Islam, a leader of Students Against Discrimination, confirmed that Yunus will hold the title of chief adviser.
Legal Relief for Yunus
In a related development, a Bangladesh court today acquitted Yunus of a labor conviction on appeal. His lawyer, Khaja Tanvir Ahmed, informed AFP that the earlier conviction, which had been criticized as politically motivated by organizations like Amnesty International, was overturned. Yunus had previously been sentenced to six months in jail but was granted bail pending appeal.
The Downfall of Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Hasina, who had led Bangladesh since 2009, resigned on Monday amid massive protests. The unrest, initially sparked by opposition to a controversial quota system in government jobs, quickly evolved into a broader anti-Hasina movement. Accusations against Hasina included election rigging and human rights abuses.
The military’s decision to side with the protesters marked a turning point, leading to Hasina’s escape to neighboring India. The situation remains tense as Bangladesh transitions under the new interim government led by Yunus.
