Bangladesh Unrest: Muhammad Yunus Slams Sheikh Hasina, Says Monster Is Gone

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who took charge as head of Bangladesh's government, praised students for their role in the protests that led to the ousting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "There is no doubt... because of the student-led revolution the whole government collapsed..." Mr Yunus told reporters after a Sunday night meet with the students.

Mr Yunus recounted his conversation with the students, saying, "I said (to the students), 'I respect you... I admire you. What you have done is absolutely unparalleled... and because you ordered me to do this (to take charge of the interim administration) I accept...'". Two student protesters, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, are now part of a 16-member advisory council sworn in with Mr Yunus.

Formation of Interim Government

The interim government was established following weeks of violent protests over a jobs quota that forced Ms Hasina to resign and flee. Sheikh Hasina left her residence in Dhaka just before it was overrun and flew to India on a Bangladeshi military aircraft. The 76-year-old remains in an undisclosed location amid reports she may seek political asylum in the United Kingdom.

Mr Yunus highlighted that high-ranking public officials' resignations, including those of the Chief Justice and head of Bangladesh's central bank, were conducted legally. "They want to have a new court," he said about the students. "So they went there and asked the chief justice to resign and put their pressure to make him resign."

Challenges Ahead for Interim Government

Mr Yunus warned that public goodwill is limited and difficult decisions lie ahead for the interim government. "The moment you start taking decisions, some people will like your decisions, some people will not like your decisions," he noted. "...that's the way it works." His office only agreed to publish these quotes Monday evening.

Following Ms Hasina's departure, Md Yunus was chosen by protesters to oversee democratic reforms. His first act after taking office was to lead a tribute to over 450 people who died during the protests. It remains unclear when Bangladesh will hold an election for a new Prime Minister.

International Reactions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Mr Yunus, expressing hope for an early return to normalcy and safety for all minority communities in Bangladesh. "We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities," he wrote on X.

China also welcomed Dhaka's new authorities, stating it "attaches importance to the development" of relations with Bangladesh. With this change in leadership, India faces a diplomatic challenge while navigating its relationship with its neighbour.

"Finally, this moment, the monster is gone," Mr Yunus said about Ms Hasina's departure, referring to what critics called her autocratic rule that stifled dissent. However, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy told The Times of India that she would return once elections are announced by the interim government.

The Nobel laureate won his prize in 2006 for his work in microfinance through Grameen Bank. He faced multiple corruption charges under Ms Hasina's government but was abroad during her tenure.

The capital city Dhaka experienced significant unrest against Sheikh Hasina's rule before her resignation. The protests were marked by violence and clashes that ultimately led to her stepping down from power.