Muhammad Yunus sworn in as Bangladesh's chief adviser for interim govt

Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as Bangladesh’s chief adviser to the interim government at the oath-taking ceremony held in Bangabhaban. Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to the new government which came after the country’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from her post and left Dhaka.

The resignation came amid nationwide anti-government protests that took Bangladesh by storm. Earlier today, Yunus said that there is “a lot of work to be done” as he arrived in the country. The decision to name Yunus as the head of the interim government was followed by a meeting between President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders and student leaders.

No one from the Awami League attended the ceremony

According to Bangladeshi news outlet The Daily Star, no one from Awam League, i.e. Sheikh Hasina’s party was seen at the ceremony.  After Hasina’s exit, the students who have been protesting in the country made it clear that they would not accept a military-led government, but wanted Prof Yunus to lead.

While addressing a gathering at the Dhaka airport, the Nobel laureate who is set to take charge as the head of the interim government said that his team will ensure that the newly reborn Bangladesh advances rapidly.

“Today is a day of pride for us. The revolution that has given birth to a new Victory Day for Bangladesh must be carried forward and strengthened. I extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the youth who made this possible. They stood by me, they have protected this country, and they have given it a rebirth,” he said on Thursday.

The proclamation from Yunus came during a press briefing at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after his arrival from the 2024 Paris Olympics in France. During the presser, the Bangladeshi Nobel Prize winner made it clear that restoring law and order is a priority. “I urge the people of the country to trust in me, to have faith in me, and that no harm will come to anyone in the country.”

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He even became emotional during his address. “Today, I am reminded of Abu Sayed (a student from Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur who was killed in a shooting). He was an unbelievingly brave young man. Abu Sayed’s name is etched in the hearts of every person in this country. Through this incident, a second independence has come to the nation,” he recalled.

While Yunus’s interim administration will govern the country until the next government takes over the parliament, it is not clear how long he will stay in power. However, the current constitution of Bangladesh mandates an interim government to be dissolved within three months and be replaced with an elected government. However, reports are emerging that the deadline will be extended.

PM Modi congratulates Yunus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took to X, formerly known as Twitter to congratulate Yunus. “My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities,” the prime minister wrote on X.

My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 8, 2024

“India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfil the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security and development,” he added. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s ousted PM Sheikh Hasina is in India as he seeks asylum from countries like the US and the UK.