Nobel Winner Yunus Returns to Bangladesh to Lead New Government

Nobel Winner Yunus Returns to Bangladesh to Lead New Government. Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has returned to Bangladesh to take on the leadership of a caretaker government, marking a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape. His arrival follows a successful student-led uprising that ended the 15-year rule of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Yunus, aged 84, landed in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon after a flight from Paris via Dubai. His swift appointment as the head of the interim government is expected later in the day, with the army chief emphasizing the start of a “beautiful democratic process.”

Just a week ago, the prospect of Yunus, a renowned economist and social entrepreneur, standing alongside military leaders seemed unlikely. The country was in turmoil as security forces clashed with protestors demanding Hasina’s resignation.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn over the weekend when the military withdrew its support from Hasina, forcing her to flee to India. Her departure was met with widespread celebration among the Bangladeshi population.

Muhammad Yunus, who gained international recognition in 2006 for his pioneering work in microfinance, was chosen by the military and student leaders to lead the nation through this transitional period. Speaking to reporters in Paris before his departure, Yunus expressed his eagerness to return home and guide the country out of its current crisis.

Yunus has faced significant challenges in recent years, including over 100 criminal charges, many of which were seen as politically motivated by the ousted Hasina government. Despite these hurdles, he remained a respected figure both domestically and internationally. His return to Bangladesh marks a new chapter in his ongoing commitment to social and economic reform.

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has publicly backed Yunus and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the nation toward democratic elections within a few months. While details about the interim government’s structure and the military’s role remain unclear, there is cautious optimism among the public.

On Wednesday, a rally organized by the former opposition party, the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), saw thousands of people gathering in support of Yunus and the prospect of a national government formed through consensus. Participants voiced their hopes for a reformed police force and a more just and inclusive governance system.

Sheikh Hasina, who had held power since 2009, resigned on Monday amid massive protests that had paralyzed the capital, Dhaka. The unrest, initially sparked by opposition to a government job quota system, quickly evolved into a broader movement against Hasina’s rule, which was marred by allegations of election rigging and human rights abuses.

The protests escalated over the past month, resulting in significant violence and the deaths of at least 455 people, according to an AFP tally. The military’s decision to side with the protestors was a pivotal moment, leading to Hasina’s downfall and the swift changes in the country’s leadership.

In the aftermath of Hasina’s resignation, significant steps have been taken to address the demands of the protestors. Parliament was dissolved, the head of the police force was dismissed, and former Prime Minister and BNP leader Khaleda Zia was released from house arrest. The new police chief has promised a thorough investigation into the killings during the protests.

The situation remains fluid as Bangladesh navigates this transitional period. However, the appointment of Yunus as the head of the interim government is seen as a positive step towards restoring democracy and stability in the country.

Muhammad Yunus’s return to lead Bangladesh marks a pivotal moment, offering hope for democratic restoration after years of turmoil. His leadership in the interim government is seen as a crucial step toward national stability and inclusive governance.