Nobel-winning microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus has been appointed to lead an interim government in Bangladesh following mass protests that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee. Student leaders called on the 84-year-old Yunus, known for lifting millions out of poverty, to take the helm. The decision was made in a meeting with President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military heads, and student leaders, aiming to overcome the crisis quickly. Yunus expressed willingness to lead, emphasizing the need for a free and fair election in the coming months.
Hasina, facing accusations of election rigging and human rights abuses, resigned as protests mounted. The military, previously loyal to Hasina, turned against her, leading to her flight to India. The military has fulfilled many demands of the protesters, including Yunus’s appointment, dissolution of parliament, release of political prisoners, and reshuffling military leadership.
The streets of Dhaka have calmed since Hasina’s departure, with signs of normalcy returning. The ousting of Hasina has been likened to breaking free from dictatorship, with celebrations and some violence ensuing. Concerns have been raised about attacks on minority groups, prompting calls for calm from neighboring India and China.