Dhaka, Bangladesh – Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday afternoon to assume the role of interim leader, following a dramatic political shift that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. Yunus’s arrival at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was marked by heightened security and a warm welcome from military officials and student leaders who spearheaded the recent uprising.
Yunus, who has been named the interim leader after extensive consultations among military officials, civic leaders, and student activists, is set to address the nation later today. His primary focus will be on restoring order and uniting the country amid ongoing unrest following Hasina’s resignation.
Upon landing, Yunus was greeted by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the chief of the Bangladesh Army, along with the heads of the navy and air force. Student leaders, who had played a pivotal role in the uprising against Hasina, were also present to welcome him. The airport was heavily guarded to ensure Yunus’s safety, reflecting the heightened tensions in the country.
In his first public remarks after arriving, Yunus emphasized the need for national unity and calm. “Bangladesh is a family. We have to unite it,” Yunus stated, flanked by student leaders. He assured the public that his administration would not resort to repressive measures and called for an end to violence.
The political turmoil began with protests against a controversial quota system for government jobs and quickly escalated into widespread dissent against Sheikh Hasina’s government. The unrest, marked by allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and electoral fraud, led to Hasina stepping down on Monday and fleeing to India.
Yunus’s appointment comes at a crucial time as President Mohammed Shahabuddin prepares to administer Yunus’s oath and oversee the formation of a new Cabinet. The dissolution of Parliament on Tuesday has cleared the way for the interim administration to prepare for new elections.
Before his return, Yunus was acquitted of a labor law violation case involving a telecommunications company he founded. This case had previously resulted in a six-month jail sentence, from which he was released on bail.
The country has experienced significant instability since Hasina’s resignation, including police withdrawals, attacks on officers, and widespread looting. In Dhaka, residents have taken measures to protect their neighborhoods amid reports of increased criminal activity. The military has provided emergency hotline numbers for those seeking help.
Yunus, renowned for his pioneering work in microcredit, faces the challenge of guiding Bangladesh through a period of transition. His leadership is expected to focus on stabilizing the nation and ensuring a democratic process as the country prepares for new elections.
As Bangladesh navigates this tumultuous period, Yunus’s role will be pivotal in shaping the nation’s path forward and addressing the complex challenges facing the country.
