DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus, who is set to lead an interim government after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted, has urged the nation to remain calm and use the opportunity to build a better nation.
Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate and renowned microfinance pioneer, is set to lead a caretaker government following the ousting of longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country amid widespread protests.
In a statement released ahead of his return from Europe, Yunus appealed for restraint and non-violence. “I fervently appeal to everybody to stay calm. Please refrain from all kinds of violence,” Yunus said. “Be calm and get ready to build the country. If we take the path of violence everything will be destroyed.”
Yunus, who is 84 years old, will assume leadership of the interim government after mass protests demanding Hasina’s resignation reached a climax. The protests, initially sparked by grievances over civil service job quotas, escalated into broader demands for Hasina to step down, culminating in her departure by helicopter on Monday.
“This is our beautiful country with lots of exciting possibilities,” Yunus said. “We must protect and make it a wonderful country for us and for our future generations.” He emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity to foster positive change and urged citizens to not let this moment slip away due to mistakes.
Yunus has expressed his intention to organize elections “within a few months,” aiming to restore political stability and democratic governance. His leadership comes amid heightened political tension and calls for swift electoral reforms.
In January, Yunus and three associates from one of his companies were sentenced to six months in prison by a Dhaka labor court for failing to create a workers’ welfare fund. The conviction, which they have denied and described as politically motivated, was criticized by international watchdogs, including Amnesty International, as an attempt to undermine Yunus’ credibility. Yunus was released on bail pending appeal and has since been abroad.
Yunus is expected to arrive in Dhaka early Thursday afternoon to assume his new role.
Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman, acting president of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), addressed a massive rally in Dhaka via video broadcast. Rahman, who had been in exile in London during Hasina’s tenure, also called for immediate elections and emphasized the need for a peaceful transition.
“The vote should be held as quickly as possible,” Rahman urged, while also calling for calm amid reports of mobs attacking Hasina’s allies in retaliation.
The political upheaval has led to significant unrest, with police reporting that revenge attacks on Hasina’s supporters have intensified. Rahman urged his supporters to avoid taking the law into their own hands. “Don’t take laws into your hands”, he told BNP supporters.
