Yunus Sworn in as Chief Advisor of Interim Government in Bangladesh Amid Political Turmoil
- Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus appointed as interim leader of Bangladesh following mass protests.
- Sheikh Hasina forced to resign, leading to Yunus taking up interim leadership role.
- Yunus expresses commitment to fulfilling duties sincerely.
Muhammad Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel laureate, was sworn in as the chief advisor of Bangladesh's interim government during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Dhaka on Thursday night. The event was attended by various political and civil society leaders, military generals, and diplomats, but notably absent were representatives from the Awami League party, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina resigned earlier this week following widespread protests against a controversial quota system for government jobs, which critics claimed favored her party's supporters. Yunus, who was in France for the 2024 Olympics when appointed, returned to Bangladesh under tight security. He emphasized his commitment to restoring order and ensuring the safety of the populace. His cabinet includes key figures from the Students Against Discrimination group, which played a significant role in the protests that led to Hasina's ousting. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Yunus, highlighting India's commitment to collaborating with the new government. The political landscape remains tense, with calls for an independent judiciary and election commission to prevent corruption. Yunus, a long-time critic of Hasina, faces the challenge of rebuilding democracy in a nation that has seen significant erosion of democratic norms. Reports of violence against minority groups and political prisoners under Hasina's regime have raised concerns among human rights organizations and international diplomats, underscoring the urgent need for stability and reform in Bangladesh.