Bangladesh’s Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus Takes Command of Key Ministries, Names New Foreign Minister

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has taken on a pivotal role in the country’s governance. On Friday, Yunus, aged 84, announced the portfolios for his newly-appointed council of advisors and assumed control over 27 key ministries, including the crucial Defense Ministry. This comes on the heels of his swearing-in as the head of the interim government, a role equivalent to that of a prime minister.

Yunus’s sudden rise to this position follows the unexpected resignation of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after facing intense public backlash over a controversial quota system in government jobs. Her abrupt departure left Bangladesh in a state of political turmoil, with deadly protests marking the end of her 15-year rule. The interim government, led by Yunus, has been visibly supported by the military and formed after consultations with student leaders, the military, and civil society representatives.

Yunus Takes Charge of 27 Ministries

In his new role, Yunus will oversee a vast array of ministries, retaining control over 27 portfolios. These include the Defense Ministry, Public Administration, Education, Energy, Food, Water Resources, and Information Ministries, among others. The decision to personally handle these crucial ministries reflects the interim leader’s commitment to stabilizing the nation during this transitional period.

Yunus’s leadership marks a shift in Bangladesh’s governance, with his administration expected to focus on transparency, accountability, and the restoration of public trust in government institutions. The interim government is tasked with guiding the country through this period of uncertainty, ensuring that key services and functions continue without disruption.

Key Appointments in the Interim Government

One of the most significant appointments made by Yunus is that of Mohammad Touhid Hossain, a seasoned career diplomat, who has been entrusted with the Foreign Ministry. Hossain, who served as the Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Kolkata from 2001 to 2005 and as Foreign Secretary from 2006 to 2009, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His expertise in foreign affairs is expected to be crucial as Bangladesh navigates its relationships with neighboring countries and the international community during this period of transition.

In addition to Hossain, other notable appointments include retired Army brigadier general M Sakhawat Hossain, who will oversee the Home Ministry. His military background is expected to play a key role in maintaining internal security and managing the ongoing challenges posed by political unrest.

Former Bangladesh Bank governor Salahuddin Ahmed has been assigned the Finance and Planning Ministries, where his experience in economic management will be vital in stabilizing the country’s economy. Meanwhile, former Attorney General A F Hassan Arif will take charge of the Local Government Ministry, overseeing the administration of local governance and ensuring that essential services continue to be delivered effectively.

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Inclusion of Student Leaders in the Interim Cabinet

In a move that underscores the influence of the recent student-led protests, two coordinators from Students Against Discrimination, M Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, have been inducted into the interim cabinet. Islam and Mahmud will oversee the Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry, respectively. Their inclusion in the government marks a significant acknowledgment of the role that the student movement played in bringing about the end of Hasina’s regime.

The student-led movement, which initially began as a protest against the controversial quota system for government jobs, quickly gained momentum, evolving into a broader public uprising. The movement’s success in ousting the long-standing government of Sheikh Hasina and bringing about the formation of an interim government highlights the power of collective action in shaping the future of the nation.

Challenges Ahead for the Interim Government

As the interim government takes shape, challenges remain. Three members of the newly appointed council of advisors were unable to take their oaths on Thursday night at the Bangabhaban presidential palace due to their absence from the capital. It is anticipated that once these advisors are sworn in, Yunus may redistribute some of the 27 portfolios he currently holds.

The interim government’s primary task will be to restore stability and lay the groundwork for future democratic processes.

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