Muhammad Yunus Appointed as Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's Interim Government Amid Uprising

In a significant political shift, Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government following the resignation of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The announcement was made by President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s press secretary, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape after widespread protests against a government job quota system escalated into a broader uprising against Hasina's administration, resulting in nearly 400 fatalities. Yunus, an 84-year-old economist and a prominent critic of Hasina, has been tasked with restoring order in the violence-stricken nation. In his first statement, he called for calm and urged citizens to avoid violence, emphasizing the importance of not squandering the hard-won victory. He expressed his initial reluctance to accept the role but felt compelled to do so in honor of the students who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s liberation. While Yunus has committed to leading the interim government, he clarified that he does not intend to pursue any further political office beyond this period. He plans to engage with various political factions to foster collaboration aimed at rebuilding Bangladesh and facilitating future elections. The composition of the new government is expected to be finalized soon, with discussions ongoing among political parties and stakeholders. Yunus, who has largely stayed out of politics due to legal battles under Hasina's regime, is returning to Dhaka from Paris. His supporters view the legal challenges he faced as politically motivated attempts to diminish his influence as a potential rival. Meanwhile, the political climate remains tense, with rallies organized by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party following the release of its leader, Khaleda Zia, from house arrest.