Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Appointed to Lead Bangladesh Interim Government

Bangladesh’s Nobel-winning microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus has been appointed to lead an interim government following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The announcement was made by President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s office early Wednesday.

The decision to form an interim government with Yunus as its chief was reached during a crucial meeting involving President Shahabuddin, military leaders, and heads of the Students Against Discrimination group. The meeting, which lasted three hours, was aimed at navigating the political crisis that has engulfed the nation.

Nahid Islam, a leader of the student group, confirmed the outcome of the talks, describing them as “fruitful” and emphasizing the urgency of forming the interim government swiftly. “The president has asked the people to help ride out the crisis. Quick formation of an interim government is necessary to overcome the crisis,” a statement from Shahabuddin’s office read.

In the wake of deadly protests that led to Hasina’s departure, President Shahabuddin also announced the dismissal of the national police chief and the appointment of a replacement. This move aims to restore order and stability in the country amidst ongoing unrest. The appointment of Yunus, a globally respected figure known for his pioneering work in microfinance, is seen as a strategic move to gain public and international confidence. His leadership is expected to steer the country through this tumultuous period and pave the way for a stable and democratic transition.

As the interim government takes shape, the focus will be on addressing the underlying issues that led to the protests and ensuring a smooth transition of power. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future political landscape of Bangladesh.