Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has returned to Bangladesh taking on the role of the interim Prime Minister. This decision was taken after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India following weeks of intense student-led protests. The protests, which started due to a controversial government job quota system which resulted into a nationwide crisis which eventually forced Hasina to step down from her position.
Muhammad Yunus who is 84 years old touched down at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Thursday. He arrived from Paris via Dubai and upon his arrival Yunus expressed his happiness by stating that “It’s good to be back home.” Muhammad Yunus appointment as Bangladesh interim Prime Minister was made by President Mohammed Shahabuddin fulfilling the demands of the student protest leaders who sought a non-political and a neutral leader.
Meeting with Key Figures
After landing Yunus was expected to meet with the army chief and the president before being sworn in as the new Prime Minister at 8 pm local time. He referred to this moment as “a new victory day” for Bangladesh by calling it a “second independence” for the country. The protests that led to this moment were among the most violent in Bangladesh’s history with nearly 300 people losing their lives.
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Challenges Ahead for Yunus
Yunus’s main goal as the interim Prime Minister is to hold elections as soon as possible. The elections are expected to take place within 90 days of the dissolution of Parliament which occurred on Tuesday. However Yunus has made it clear that he does not intend to be a long-term leader. His primary focus is on restoring stability and preparing the country for free and fair elections.
Background on Muhammad Yunus
Muhammad Yunus who is often referred to as the “banker to the poor,” is an economist and the founder of Grameen Bank. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work in fighting poverty through microloans. Yunus’s journey back to Bangladesh comes after facing more than 100 criminal cases and a smear campaign that accused him of promoting homosexuality. Despite these challenges Yunus remains a respected figure both in Bangladesh and internationally.
The army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman has expressed his support for Yunus by saying that he believes Yunus will successfully guide Bangladesh through this difficult time. The military’s backing is crucial as Yunus works to stabilize the country and establish law and order.
Diplomatic Relations
On the diplomatic front Yunus will need to maintain cooperative relations with India, especially given that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is currently in India. A hostile relationship with India could result in huge problems for Bangladesh during this transitional period.
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