Yunus takes oath interim govt bangladesh

Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has been sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, succeeding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned amidst escalating national unrest. The 84-year-old economist, best known for pioneering microcredit, took his oath during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Dhaka, which was attended by political leaders, civil society figures, military officials, and diplomats. Yunus’s appointment came just three days after Sheikh Hasina fled to India, marking a dramatic shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.

In his oath, Yunus pledged to “uphold, support, and protect the constitution” and assured that he would carry out his duties with sincerity. His cabinet, referred to as advisers rather than ministers, includes notable figures such as Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, who were key leaders of the Students Against Discrimination group. This group was instrumental in leading the protests that ultimately led to Hasina’s downfall. Other members of the interim government include former foreign secretary Touhid Hossain, former attorney general Hassan Ariff, environmental lawyer Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and law professor Asif Nazrul. Prominent human rights activist Adilur Rahman Khan, who was previously sentenced to jail by Hasina’s government, also took the oath as an adviser.

Notably absent from the ceremony were representatives of Hasina’s Awami League party, highlighting the deep political divide that led to the recent upheaval. Hasina’s resignation on Monday followed weeks of protests that initially began as a response to a controversial quota system for government jobs but quickly escalated into broader demands for her removal. The protests, which turned violent, resulted in over 300 deaths, including many students, further intensifying public outcry against her 15-year rule.

Yunus, who had been in Paris for the 2024 Olympics when he was selected for the interim role, returned to Dhaka under tight security. Upon his arrival, he addressed the media, emphasizing the need to restore order and unity in Bangladesh. “Bangladesh is a family. We have to unite it,” Yunus stated, expressing his optimism for the country’s potential despite the current turmoil.

The appointment of Yunus has been met with international support. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Yunus and reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with Bangladesh. “My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities,” Modi wrote on social media, emphasizing the shared aspirations of peace, security, and development between the two nations. The United States also welcomed Yunus’s leadership, with State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressing hope for a collaborative effort to advance democracy in Bangladesh. Miller also noted that the U.S. diplomat in Bangladesh, Helen LaFave, attended the inauguration and is in contact with the interim government.

In his first remarks as interim leader, Yunus called for an end to the recent violence and urged the people not to seek vengeance. He highlighted the need for an independent judiciary and election commission to depoliticize the system, which he believes has been corrupted by political loyalties in past administrations. This sentiment resonates with many in Bangladesh, who see the interim government as an opportunity to clean up the system and ensure fair governance.

Yunus’s appointment comes on the heels of a significant legal victory; a tribunal in Dhaka recently acquitted him in a labor law violation case involving a telecommunications company he founded. The case, which saw Yunus sentenced to six months in jail, had been a point of contention between him and Hasina, who had publicly criticized Yunus for his business practices. Yunus has consistently denied the allegations and maintained his commitment to ethical business practices.

As Bangladesh moves forward under Yunus’s  interim leadership, the focus will be on stabilizing the country and preparing for new elections. Yunus’s vision for a united and peaceful Bangladesh will be put to the test as he navigates the complex political and social challenges that lie ahead.

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