Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus has returned to Bangladesh to assume leadership of an interim government, following a period of intense student-led protests that led to the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India.
On Thursday, the 84-year-old Yunus arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, having traveled from Paris via Dubai. His return marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Yunus was appointed by President Mohammed Shahabuddin to lead the interim government, a move that addresses a key demand from the student protesters. The students’ demonstrations, which initially focused on a controversial government job quota system, escalated into a full-blown crisis, resulting in a violent crackdown by authorities. Nearly 300 people lost their lives during this turbulent period, marking one of the most violent phases of Hasina’s 15-year tenure.
Upon his arrival, Yunus expressed his satisfaction with his return, stating, “It’s good to be back home,” and proclaimed, “Today is a glorious day for us. Bangladesh has created a new victory day. Bangladesh has got a second independence.”
Yunus’s immediate priority is to oversee the organization of elections, which are expected to be held within 90 days following the dissolution of the Parliament on Tuesday. He is anticipated to meet with President Shahabuddin and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman before taking an oath at a ceremony scheduled for 8:30 pm local time (14:30 GMT), where he will unveil his new Cabinet.
The selection of Yunus, known for his role in founding Grameen Bank and pioneering microloans to combat poverty, was driven by a desire for a noncontroversial, neutral leader with global connections. This choice aims to bring stability to Bangladesh amidst the ongoing crisis. Yunus himself has indicated that he does not intend to lead the interim government long-term, emphasizing his focus on facilitating a smooth transition to democratic elections.
Yunus, who has faced significant legal and political challenges under Hasina’s administration, including over 100 criminal cases and a politically motivated smear campaign, was recently acquitted of a six-month jail sentence. His return to Bangladesh comes after he spent time abroad on bail. The smear campaign against Yunus included accusations of promoting homosexuality, with many viewing the legal actions as part of a broader political strategy by Hasina’s government.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman has expressed support for Yunus, stating, “I am certain that he will be able to take us through a beautiful democratic process,” underscoring the military’s backing of Yunus’s leadership in navigating the country through this critical period.
