Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ A transformative chapter in Bangladesh’s political history has begun as Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus took the oath of office as the head of the interim government. Accordingly, his appointment marks a significant departure from the 15-year tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose resignation and subsequent departure from the country have thrust Bangladesh into a period of intense political turbulence. In a formal swearing-in ceremony at the Bangabhaban, the official residence of Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Yunus pledged to uphold the constitution and perform his duties with utmost sincerity.
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Inside the swearing-in ceremony
Muhammad Yunus’ swearing-in as the chief adviser in the interim government, a position similar to that of a prime minister, was facilitated by President Shahabuddin. During the oath-taking, he said, “I will uphold, support, and protect the constitution, and will perform my duties sincerely”. The ceremony was attended by diplomats, civil society members, top businessmen, and members of the former opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, at the presidential palace in Dhaka. Yunus’s appointment follows a period of severe unrest, including violent clashes and protests led by students, which ultimately forced Hasina to resign and flee the country on Monday. Yunus’s appointment, which came swiftly after President Shahabuddin’s dissolution of parliament, a key demand of the protesters, represents a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Accordingly, the interim government, led by Yunus, will be supported by a 16-member council of advisers, including Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, prominent figures in the student-led protests that precipitated Hasina’s exit.
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PM Modi’s wishes
Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Yunus, emphasizing India’s hope for a swift return to stability in Bangladesh. Modi expressed a desire for the safety of minority communities, including Hindus, and reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering peace, security, and development in collaboration with Bangladesh. He posted on X, “My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security, and development”.
Who is Muhammad Yunus?
Muhammad Yunus, at 84 years old, is renowned globally as the “banker to the poor” due to his pioneering work in microcredit and microfinance through the Grameen Bank. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, recognizing his contribution to alleviating poverty. Accordingly, Yunus’s return to Dhaka from Paris, where he had been undergoing medical treatment, underscored the urgency of his new role. Muhammad Yunus, who began his career as an economist, returned to Bangladesh in 1972 after earning his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Witnessing the devastation caused by the 1974 famine, Yunus was moved to act directly against poverty. His establishment of the Grameen Bank in 1983 introduced innovative microfinancing methods that have since been emulated worldwide. The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Yunus and the Grameen Bank in 2006 was a testament to the global impact of his work.
Yunus’ controversy with the Hasina government
Despite his illustrious achievements, Yunus’s career has not been without controversy. His relationship with the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, deteriorated over the years. Accusations and investigations into Yunus and the Grameen Bank, including allegations of financial misconduct, have marred his reputation. The charges, which include a recent fraudulent case, are seen by many of Yunus’s supporters as politically motivated, reflecting the contentious dynamics between Yunus and the Hasina administration. In his first address following the swearing-in, Yunus hailed the occasion as a glorious day for Bangladesh, characterizing it as a moment of second independence. As such, he urged for a restoration of law and order, emphasizing that progress could only be achieved if the country resolved its current instability. Additionally, Yunus’s call for unity and non-violence reflects his long-standing commitment to social harmony and economic development.
Conclusion
The resignation of Sheikh Hasina and the political chaos that ensued have left Bangladesh, a country of over 170 million people with the fourth-largest Muslim population globally, in a precarious situation. The Awami League, while not represented in the interim government, has expressed its intention to engage in dialogue with both the opposition and the interim administration. Additionally, Hasina’s current residence in New Delhi has added another layer of complexity to the political situation, with some Bangladeshis expressing frustration towards India. As Yunus steps into his new role, the path ahead for Bangladesh remains uncertain. His leadership is anticipated to guide the country through this tumultuous period, aiming to restore stability and pave the way for democratic processes. The international community, including neighboring India, watches closely as Bangladesh navigates this critical transition under the stewardship of its distinguished Nobel Laureate.
