Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the interim Prime Minister of Bangladesh following the resignation and resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The appointment comes in the wake of intense and deadly protests led primarily by university students, culminating in Hasina’s abrupt departure from the country.
The protests, which began in early July with demands to abolish civil service job quotas, quickly escalated into a nationwide anti-government movement. The unrest saw over 400 deaths, mostly civilians who were shot by police, and widespread violence, including the torching of hundreds of police stations. The situation reached a critical point on Monday, marking the single deadliest day with more than 100 fatalities.
Due to the pressure, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India, ending her nearly 15-year tenure. Her rule, which had seen significant economic growth, was increasingly criticized for authoritarian practices, including silencing critics and imprisoning political opponents. Notably, opposition leader Khaleda Zia and activist Ahmad Bin Quasem were released from detention shortly after Hasina’s departure.
Following Hasina’s exit, student leaders and civil society members rejected the idea of a military-led government, advocating instead for Muhammad Yunus to lead an interim administration. Yunus, an 84-year-old economist and pioneer of microfinance, accepted the role, citing the sacrifices made by the protesting students.
“When the students who sacrificed so much are requesting me to step in at this difficult juncture, how can I refuse?” Yunus stated.
The decision was made after a crucial meeting involving President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders, and student representatives. Yunus, who was in Paris for a minor medical procedure, agreed to return to Dhaka to assume his new responsibilities.
Yunus was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work with Grameen Bank and has been a long-time critic of Sheikh Hasina. Over the years, he has faced various allegations, including tax evasion and labor law violations, which he claims were politically motivated.
The international community has responded to Yunus’s appointment with calls for the interim government to respect democratic principles and uphold the rule of law. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for decisions that reflect the people’s will. “Any decisions that the interim government makes, they need to respect democratic principles… to uphold the rule of law [and] reflect the will of the people,” Blinken stated.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged all parties to avoid violence and respect universal rights. “All parties must respect universal rights and ensure that the transition is peaceful and democratic,” she said.
As Yunus prepares to lead the interim government, Bangladesh hopes that this new leadership will steer the nation toward a more democratic and stable future.
