Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, has arrived in Bangladesh to assume leadership of the country’s interim government. As he steps into this crucial role, reports have surfaced that no politicians will be part of his administration. According to sources close to the matter, Yunus met with key figures including the armed forces chief, civil society members, and student leaders upon his arrival in Dhaka.
During this meeting, the composition of Yunus’s advisory team was reportedly finalized, with a strong emphasis on selecting individuals from civil society and various professional sectors. The exclusion of politicians from the caretaker government has put to rest concerns that members of the BNP or other opposition parties might seize control following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country.
A source told The Dhaka Tribune that the interim government’s advisors would be drawn from non-political backgrounds. Bangladesh’s Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman indicated that the Yunus-led government is expected to start with approximately 15 members, with the possibility of adding one or two more. In Bangladesh, the position of chief advisor is akin to that of the Prime Minister, while other advisors serve roles equivalent to ministers.
Addressing a gathering at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Yunus expressed his commitment to ensuring that the newly reborn Bangladesh moves forward swiftly. “Today is a day of pride for us. The revolution that has given birth to a new Victory Day for Bangladesh must be carried forward and strengthened. I extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the youth who made this possible. They stood by me, they have protected this country, and they have given it a rebirth,” he stated emotionally.
Yunus also stressed the importance of restoring law and order, calling on the people to trust in his leadership. “I urge the people of the country to trust in me, to have faith in me, and that no harm will come to anyone in the country,” he assured. Reflecting on the sacrifices made during the recent upheaval, Yunus paid tribute to Abu Sayed, a student from Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur who was killed during the protests. “Abu Sayed’s name is etched in the hearts of every person in this country. Through this incident, a second independence has come to the nation,” Muhammad Yunus recalled.
The oath-taking ceremony for Bangladesh’s interim government is set to take place at Bangabhaban at 8:00 PM local time, with President Mohammed Shahabuddin administering the oath of office to the new administration.
