Muhammad Yunus has been officially sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government. The 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate and microfinance pioneer assumes this critical role amid severe political unrest and a humanitarian crisis in the country.
Yunus’s appointment comes shortly after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled Bangladesh in response to intense and often violent protests. The demonstrations, driven predominantly by student groups, erupted over the government’s handling of the public service quota system. The situation has been exacerbated by a recent brutal crackdown, resulting in over 400 fatalities.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted at Bangabhaban, the presidential palace, where President Mohammed Shahabuddin and military leaders and student representatives were present. During the ceremony, President Shahabuddin underscored the necessity of a stable interim government and highlighted that the Advisory Council’s composition would be finalized in consultation with various political parties.
Yunus, renowned for his groundbreaking work with the Grameen Bank, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, is viewed as a beacon of hope for democratic renewal. His leadership is anticipated to bring much-needed stability and address the pressing demands for human rights and democratic reforms. As chief adviser, Yunus faces the formidable challenge of guiding Bangladesh through this period of significant upheaval and restoring faith in its governance structures.