US Hopes for Democratic Progress as Muhammad Yunus Takes Charge of Bangladesh’s Interim Government

On Thursday, the United States expressed its hope that the new interim government in Bangladesh will lead the country towards a more democratic future. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of this transitional period during a press briefing.

Miller confirmed that the US has been in communication with the interim government, including attending the swearing-in ceremony of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus as the country’s chief advisor. “Our charge d’affaires attended his swearing-in today. I don’t know if she spoke to him at the swearing-in, but she did attend communication with the interim government, not necessarily him personally,” Miller stated. He reiterated the US’s stance, saying, “One of the things that we have made clear is that we want to see the interim government chart a democratic future for the people of Bangladesh.”

Professor Muhammad Yunus, 84, a Nobel laureate economist, was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government on Thursday night, just three days after Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position as Prime Minister and left the country amid widespread unrest. Yunus took the oath at a ceremony in Dhaka, with Bangladesh’s figurehead President Mohammed Shahabuddin administering the oath. Yunus now faces the significant challenge of restoring peace in the country and preparing for new elections.

The ceremony, held at the presidential palace in Dhaka, was attended by foreign diplomats, civil society members, top businessmen, and former opposition party members. Notably, there were no representatives from Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, present at the event.

Upon his arrival in Bangladesh, Yunus made a heartfelt appeal to his supporters, urging the people to remain calm and to end the chaos that has gripped the country. He stressed the importance of ensuring that no attacks occur against anyone in the country, underscoring the need for peace and unity during this critical transitional period.