Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, 84, was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government on August 8, 2024, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Yunus has taken charge of 27 ministries, including defense, public administration, education, and energy. The new 17-member cabinet includes student leaders from the ‘Students Against Discrimination’ movement, civil society representatives, and technocrats.In his first act as interim leader, Yunus visited the National Martyrs’ Memorial to honor the victims of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. He has promised to restore democracy, justice, and human rights in the country, stating, ‘Tomorrow, with the rising sun, democracy, justice, human rights, and complete freedom of fearless expression will be available to all, regardless of party affiliation. This is our goal’.The transition follows weeks of violent protests against the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned and fled to India. The unrest, which began in July 2024 over a controversial job quota system, resulted in over 400 deaths.The situation remains tense, with reports of violence against minority communities, particularly Hindus. In response, the Indian government has formed a committee to monitor the situation on the Indo-Bangladesh border and ensure the safety of Indian nationals and minority communities in Bangladesh.International reactions to the developments have been mixed. India, Pakistan, and China have expressed support for the new government. However, human rights organizations have called on Yunus to reform or abolish laws restricting freedom of expression and civil society activism.Yunus has pledged to hold elections ‘within a few months’, but faces significant challenges in stabilizing the country and addressing its economic issues. As he stated, ‘Bangladesh has created a new victory day, Bangladesh has got a second independence’.
Key points
- Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been sworn in as head of Bangladesh’s interim government, taking charge of 27 ministries.
- The new 17-member cabinet includes student leaders and civil society representatives.
- Yunus has promised to restore democracy and hold elections within a few months.
- India has formed a committee to monitor the situation on the Indo-Bangladesh border due to reports of violence against minorities.
Contradictions👾There are varying reports on the number of deaths during the protests, with figures ranging from 300 to 455.
👾While some sources report that Sheikh Hasina fled to India, others suggest she is receiving medical treatment in Paris.
