In a dramatic turn of events, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government following the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid mass protests. The decision was announced by President Mohammed Shahabuddin after a meeting with military leaders and representatives of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.Yunus, 84, who is currently in Paris, has expressed his willingness to lead the interim government, stating, ‘If action is needed in Bangladesh, for my country and for the courage of my people, then I will take it’. He emphasized the need for free elections, saying, ‘Without elections, there will be no change’.The protests, which began over a controversial job quota system for families of veterans of Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war, evolved into a broader anti-government movement. The unrest has resulted in a significant death toll, with reports ranging from 300 to 440 fatalities since mid-July.In response to the escalating situation, the military has taken temporary control of the country. There are growing concerns about attacks on minority groups, particularly Hindus, with reports of vandalism against temples, households, and businesses.The interim government is expected to hold elections soon, with student leaders and the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) demanding polls within three months. Yunus has praised the courage of the youth driving the protests, saying, ‘The courage of these youth is boundless. They have made Bangladesh proud and shown the world our nation’s determination against injustice’.As Bangladesh navigates this critical transition, the international community is closely watching. The US has welcomed the creation of an interim administration, while the UK has called for a UN probe into recent incidents. India, where Hasina is currently staying, remains in touch with the Bangladesh military establishment to ensure the safety of Indian nationals and minorities in the country.
Key points
- Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus appointed as head of Bangladesh’s interim government.
- Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country amid mass protests.
- Protests resulted in hundreds of deaths and widespread unrest across Bangladesh.
- Concerns grow over attacks on minority groups, particularly Hindus.
- Interim government expected to hold elections soon, with demands for polls within three months.
Contradictions👾Death toll reports vary, with sources citing between 300 and 440 fatalities since mid-July.
👾Some sources report Sheikh Hasina as having ‘fled’ to India, while others state she is staying there, indicating uncertainty about her current status.
