Muhammad Yunus Takes Oath as Bangladesh’s Interim Leader Amid Unrest
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus on his new role as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst widespread student-led protests. Modi highlighted the urgent need for an early return to normalcy in Bangladesh and stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of Hindus and other minority communities in the country.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi stated, “My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security, and development.”
My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 8, 2024
Unrest in Bangladesh and the Resignation of Sheikh Hasina
Muhammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi social entrepreneur and the founder of Grameen Bank, was sworn in as the head of the interim government in a ceremony in Dhaka on Thursday night. The political situation in Bangladesh has been volatile, with weeks of student-led protests leading to broader anti-government demonstrations. The protests, which initially focused on the demand to end the quota system for government jobs, escalated to a point where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India.
Yunus’ Call for Peace and Stability
As the new chief advisor, a role equivalent to that of a prime minister, Yunus faces the critical task of restoring peace in the country and preparing for new elections. Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Yunus at the presidential palace, with foreign diplomats, civil society members, and top businessmen in attendance. Notably, no representatives from the Awami League, Sheikh Hasina’s party, were present.
Upon his arrival in Bangladesh, Yunus made an impassioned appeal for calm and urged his supporters to refrain from violence. Speaking at a press briefing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Yunus emphasized the need to save the country from chaos and follow the path shown by the students. “If you have faith in me and trust me, then ensure that there will be no attack anywhere in the country. This is our first responsibility,” Yunus urged.
Yunus, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work in promoting economic and social development through microcredit, now has the monumental task of steering Bangladesh through its current crisis and ensuring a peaceful transition of power.
