- Nobel Peace Prize winner to lead Bangladesh interim government
- The 84-year-old economist and microloan pioneer was chosen following the PM’s abrupt departure from the country after weeks of violent protests
- The protests, initially sparked by university students opposing civil service job quotas, quickly evolved into a widespread anti-government movement
- The unrest has resulted in over 400 deaths, predominantly civilians
Nobel Peace Prize winner to lead Bangladesh interim government
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, a prominent critic of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been appointed as the interim leader of Bangladesh. The 84-year-old economist and microloan pioneer was chosen following Hasina’s abrupt departure from the country, which came after weeks of violent protests demanding her resignation.
The protests, initially sparked by university students opposing civil service job quotas, quickly evolved into a widespread anti-government movement. The unrest has resulted in over 400 deaths, predominantly civilians, due to clashes with police. The violence reached a peak on Monday, with more than 100 fatalities reported in a single day.
In the face of mounting opposition, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India, ending nearly 15 years of her rule. Critics had accused her of suppressing dissent and imprisoning political rivals. Following her departure, several political detainees, including ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, were released.
'I want to congratulate the young people who led this movement & gave us liberation,' says Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus @Yunus_Centre, who was appointed as the chief advisor of Bangladesh's interim govt. Watch #ThePrintUninterrupted with @dgupta_moushumihttps://t.co/YzYbWWdjkj pic.twitter.com/LAQX7AV5L7
— ThePrintIndia (@ThePrintIndia) August 6, 2024
The decision to appoint Yunus as chief adviser of the interim government came after a meeting involving President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military officials, and student leaders. Yunus, who is currently appealing a politically charged six-month jail sentence, accepted the role, stating, “When the students who sacrificed so much are requesting me to step in at this difficult juncture, how can I refuse?”
Yunus is expected to return to Dhaka from Paris, where he was undergoing a minor medical procedure, to assume his new responsibilities.