Yunus Vows to Fulfill Students' Dreams

In a surprising turn of events, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has accepted the role of leading Bangladesh's interim government after the abrupt resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The decision came in response to a call from students who have been at the forefront of protests demanding governmental reform. Yunus, 84, expressed his commitment to the youth of the nation, stating, “I’m doing this because this is what the youth of the country wanted, and I wanted to help them to do it.” Yunus was sworn in as the new leader following months of unrest that culminated in the fall of Hasina's administration. He emphasized the immediate need to restore law and order, allowing citizens to resume their daily lives. “We are here: a fresh new face for them, for the country,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of this transitional moment in Bangladesh's political landscape. The protests that led to this political shift were initially sparked by demands for reform of a quota system that favored relatives of war heroes in public sector jobs. Yunus underscored the urgent need for broader reforms, particularly in areas such as freedom of speech, which had been severely curtailed under Hasina's rule. He himself has faced political persecution, having been sentenced to six months in jail in what he claims was a politically motivated case. As he embarks on this new journey, Yunus acknowledges his limited experience in governance but is determined to leverage his organizational skills to navigate the challenges ahead, including judicial reform and restoring civil liberties.