Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus to Lead Bangladesh After Hasina Resigns
In a dramatic turn of events, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has been nominated to lead an interim government in Bangladesh following the resignation of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The announcement came from Nahid Islam, a key organiser of the student protests that have rocked the nation. In a video posted on social media, Islam confirmed that the protest leaders had already spoken with Yunus, who agreed to step in given the country’s tumultuous situation.
Yunus, who won the Nobel in 2006 for pioneering microlending, has faced numerous corruption charges during Hasina’s tenure, which he claims were politically motivated. As the protest leaders continue to announce more names for the interim government, it becomes increasingly difficult for the current leadership to ignore their choices.
The political landscape in Bangladesh shifted dramatically on Monday as Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country. Weeks of escalating protests against a government job quota system culminated in violence and a broader outcry against her 15-year rule. Thousands of demonstrators stormed her official residence and other buildings linked to her party and family, forcing her to leave the country amidst growing chaos.
This sudden power vacuum has only heightened instability in Bangladesh, a nation already grappling with high unemployment, corruption, and climate change challenges. The main airport in Dhaka suspended operations due to security concerns, reflecting the volatile situation on the ground.
Violent clashes before and after Hasina’s resignation have reportedly left at least 109 people dead and hundreds injured. Incidents of arson and violence have been reported across the country, including a hotel fire in Jashore that killed over a dozen people and unrest in Savar and Dhaka’s Uttara neighbourhoods resulting in numerous casualties.
In response, military chief General Waker-uz-Zamam has taken temporary control, promising to restore order. The country’s figurehead president, Mohammed Shahabuddin, has announced plans to dissolve Parliament and form a national government, leading to new elections. The military’s involvement marks a significant moment, given its historical influence in Bangladesh’s politics, which has seen more than 20 coups since its independence in 1971.
Despite the turmoil, there are calls for calm. The main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), urged citizens to exercise restraint during this critical transition. Tarique Rahman, the BNP’s acting chairman, emphasised the importance of following due process to honour the spirit of the protests.
International observers have also weighed in, with the UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, stressing the need for an inclusive transition in line with Bangladesh’s international obligations. Meanwhile, celebrations of Hasina’s resignation have been marred by continued violence, with protesters targeting symbols of her government and party.
This upheaval underscores the deep economic distress in Bangladesh, where exports have dwindled and foreign reserves are low. The military has vowed to investigate the deadly crackdown on protesters, which has left nearly 300 dead since mid-July. General Waker-uz-Zamam has called for trust in the military’s ability to bring justice and stability.
Sheikh Hasina, seen boarding a military helicopter with her sister, has reportedly landed in India and met with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. She is expected to travel to the UK next. Hasina, who has served longer than any other female head of government, leaves behind a legacy marked by both economic progress and allegations of authoritarianism. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, expressed doubt about her return to politics, stating she felt deeply disheartened by recent events.
For more information visit: BBC News – South Asia
