Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Assumes Role as Bangladesh Interim Leader

Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, was sworn in as the head of an interim government on Thursday. This followed Sheikh Hasina's sudden resignation and departure to India amid violent protests over a controversial job quota system. Yunus, 84, took the oath of office administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban, the presidential palace.

Formation of Advisory Council

A 16-member advisory council was formed to assist Yunus in managing state affairs. Among the members are Md. Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, key figures in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Notably, Roy, Chakma, and Bir Pratik Faruk-e-Azam were unable to take their oaths as they were outside Dhaka.

Yunus addressed the nation shortly after his swearing-in ceremony. "As the first call of duty, we will control the conspirators...who have created an anarchic situation and panic to upset our freedom," he said in a televised speech. He assumed the role of chief advisor, a position equivalent to prime minister.

Support from Various Sectors

The ceremony saw attendance from political leaders, judges, military chiefs, diplomats including Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma, and other dignitaries. Women's rights activist Farida Akhtar and right-wing party Hefazat-e-Islam's deputy chief AFM Khalid Hossain were also present.

Upon his arrival from Paris via Dubai on Thursday, Yunus was welcomed by Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and other officials at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. "Today is a day of our pride," he said emotionally at a press conference. "We have got independence for the second time. We have to protect this independence."

Appeal for Calm and Unity

Yunus urged citizens to support him in rebuilding the nation torn by protests. He described Hasina's ouster as the country's second independence. "If you have faith in me and trust me, then ensure that there will be no attack anywhere in the country," he stated at a crowded press briefing.

He expressed gratitude to the youth who led the protest movement against Hasina. "The nation is in your hands now. Now you have to rebuild it as per your aspirations," he said. He emphasized forming a government that assures safety for its citizens.

Bangladesh has experienced deadly unrest recently with over 500 fatalities, including police personnel. Many deaths occurred after the Supreme Court largely scrapped the job quota system last month following student demands.

Restoration of Order

Police officers began returning to work following Yunus' call for calm. Several police stations had been attacked and set on fire after Hasina's government fell. A press release from police headquarters indicated that people from various sectors were supporting returning police personnel.

General Zaman announced the formation of an interim government but did not specify its tenure. He expressed hope that normalcy would return within three to four days as conditions were improving significantly across the country.

Yunus praised students for their role in what he termed "our Second Victory Day." He urged them to avoid violence: "Violence is our enemy. Please don’t create more enemies." His anti-poverty campaign through Grameen Bank has been replicated globally.

Yunus had been in conflict with Hasina’s government since she came to power in 2008. Authorities launched investigations against him and reviewed Grameen Bank’s activities in 2011, eventually firing him as managing director for violating retirement regulations.

In January, Yunus was sentenced to six months in jail on charges of labour law violations. Many believe Hasina became enraged when Yunus announced plans to form a political party in 2007 while she was imprisoned under a military-backed government.

The interim government aims to lead Bangladesh until elections can transition power to an elected administration.