Bangladesh Army Chief Announces Muhammad Yunus As Interim Prime Minister, Know Who Is He

Amid the current political unrest in Bangladesh, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus will lead an interim government. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, August 8, at 8:00 pm local time, as reported by The Daily Star. General Waker mentioned that the advisory council might include 15 members, although final details are still being worked out.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, August 6, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament and appointed Muhammad Yunus to head the interim government. This decision followed a meeting with chiefs of the three services and a delegation from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at Bangabhaban. The movement had led massive protests and confirmed that Yunus had agreed to take on this role.

Yunus Welcomes Change

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement stated that 84-year-old Yunus welcomed the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's regime. He described it as the "second liberation" of Bangladesh. Currently abroad, Yunus is known for winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his anti-poverty efforts through the Grameen Bank, a model adopted worldwide.

Protests initially started peacefully with students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs. However, they have since escalated into a significant challenge against Hasina and her Awami League party. The violence has resulted in at least 440 deaths and over 11,000 arrests. Sheikh Hasina resigned amid these mounting protests.

Who is Muhammad Yunus?

Muhammad Yunus received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his pioneering work in microcredit aimed at helping impoverished people, especially women. The Grameen Bank he founded also won the prize. Despite facing over 150 legal cases, including major corruption charges which he denies, Yunus remains a prominent figure in Bangladeshi politics.

In 2007, Yunus entered politics by forming the Nagorik Shakti (Citizen Power) party during a state of emergency marked by severe conflict between Sheikh Hasina's Awami League and Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Although he later abandoned his political ambitions due to lack of support, he has continued to criticise Hasina's government fiercely.

The situation across Bangladesh is reportedly improving significantly according to General Waker-Uz-Zaman. This development is seen as a positive sign for stabilising the nation amidst ongoing turmoil.

Khaleda Zia recently made her first statement after being released from prison: "We have to build democratic Bangladesh." Her words resonate with many who seek change in the country's political landscape.

The appointment of Muhammad Yunus as head of an interim government marks a pivotal moment for Bangladesh. As events unfold, many hope this will lead to greater stability and progress for the nation.