Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has been sworn in as the chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government on Thursday, following weeks of intense student protests that led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and subsequent flight from the country. Yunus, who arrived in Dhaka from Paris, has urged calm and appealed to Bangladeshis to “get ready to build the country.” Meanwhile, Hasina, who fled to India, is seeking asylum in Europe. Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, two student leaders in their mid-20s who led the protests, will join the caretaker government, according to local media reports.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to the new government at Bangabhaban. According to the Dhaka Tribune, arrangements were made for 400 people to attend the ceremony. Dr. Yunus was in Paris for medical treatment prior to his return to Dhaka. Regarding the size of the interim government, Zaman said, “I believe it might initially consist of around 15 members. However, one or two more individuals may be added.”
Meanwhile, ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeed Wazed, has blamed Pakistan’s ISI for fueling unrest in Bangladesh. “The Indian government must build up international pressure for the swift restoration of democracy in Bangladesh,” Joy told PTI. The Indian visa application center announced that its offices in the country will remain closed until further notice.
