Congress Cheers Yunus on Leading Bangladesh Towards Peaceful Normalcy

Professor Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government on Thursday. Nobel laureate Yunus replaced Sheikh Hasina, who resigned and fled to India amid deadly protests against her government over a controversial job quota system. The Congress extended congratulations to Yunus, with Rahul Gandhi emphasising the urgent need for peace and normalcy in Bangladesh.

Rahul Gandhi, in a post on X, congratulated Yunus on his new role. "A swift restoration of peace and normalcy is the need of the hour," he stated. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed good wishes to Yunus, hoping for the return of peace and normalcy in Bangladesh, a country with which India shares a historic relationship.

Congratulatory Messages from Indian Leaders

Kharge shared his thoughts on X, saying, "On behalf of the Indian National Congress, I extend our good wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on being sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government. We sincerely hope that normalcy and peace return in Bangladesh, our neighbour, with whom we Indians share a historic relationship. We pray for the safety of all the Bangladeshi people, including all the minorities."

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in-charge communications, praised Yunus as a legend in microfinance and social entrepreneurship. He recounted his meetings with Yunus during 2011-2014 when he was part of the Ministry of Rural Development. Ramesh mentioned how they studied Yunus's Grameen Bank initiatives for India's National Rural Livelihoods Mission Aajeevika.

Yunus's Oath Ceremony

Yunus, aged 84, took his oath at a ceremony held at the presidential palace Bangabhaban. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath. A 16-member council of advisers was also announced to assist Yunus in managing state affairs.

Ramesh further noted that Dr Manmohan Singh has been an admirer of Yunus's work. "India wishes him all the very best in his new assignment at Dhaka. There are huge expectations from him across the world, most of all the hope that the wonderful cultural diversity of Bangladesh - which is also a source of economic strength - is protected and allowed to flourish," Ramesh said.

Advisory Council Members

The advisory council includes Md Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, key organisers of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Their inclusion is seen as significant given their roles in recent protests.

The Congress party's messages reflect India's interest in maintaining stability and fostering positive relations with Bangladesh during this transitional period. The emphasis on peace and normalcy highlights concerns over recent unrest and hopes for a stable future under Yunus's leadership.

The appointment of Yunus comes at a critical time for Bangladesh, following Sheikh Hasina's abrupt resignation amid public discontent. The international community watches closely as Yunus steps into this pivotal role.