Bangladesh: Muhammad Yunus Sworn in as Chief Advisor of Interim Government

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, 84, was officially sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government in a ceremony held in Dhaka on Thursday night. The swearing-in followed weeks of intense student-led protests that culminated in the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to neighboring India.

During the ceremony, Yunus pledged to “uphold, support, and protect the constitution” and vowed to perform his duties with sincerity. His immediate priorities are to restore peace in Bangladesh and oversee the preparation for new elections.

The oath was administered by Bangladesh’s figurehead President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the presidential palace in Dhaka, in the presence of foreign diplomats, civil society members, prominent business figures, and members of the former opposition party. Notably, no representatives from Hasina’s party were in attendance.

The interim Cabinet, consisting of 16 members, has been formed with individuals primarily drawn from civil society, including two leaders from the student protests. These members were selected following discussions among student leaders, civil society representatives, and the military earlier in the week.

Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday after several weeks of escalating chaos that began in July, initially sparked by protests against a controversial quota system for government jobs. Critics argued the system favored those with connections to Hasina’s party. The demonstrations quickly escalated into a broader challenge to Hasina’s 15-year rule, resulting in the deaths of over 300 people, including students, amid increasing violence.

Yunus, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his pioneering work in microcredit, was in Paris for the 2024 Olympics when he was selected for the interim leadership role. He returned to Bangladesh earlier on Thursday under tight security at Dhaka’s airport. Upon his arrival, Yunus addressed the media, emphasizing his commitment to restoring order in the country. “Bangladesh is a family. We have to unite it,” he stated, alongside student leaders. “It has immense possibility.”

In a call for calm, Yunus had urged an end to partisan violence during a statement in Paris on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who serves as an adviser to his mother, declared on Wednesday that his family and the Awami League party would continue to play a role in Bangladesh’s politics. This marked a reversal from his earlier statement following Hasina’s resignation and departure to India.

On Tuesday, the president dissolved Parliament, paving the way for the interim government to take charge.

In a related development, a tribunal in Dhaka acquitted Yunus on Wednesday in a labor law violation case involving a telecommunications company he founded. Previously, Yunus had been convicted and sentenced to six months in jail, though he was released on bail during the appeal process.

Yunus has long been a critic of Sheikh Hasina, who had labeled him a “bloodsucker,” accusing him of using coercive methods to extract loan repayments from the rural poor, particularly women. Yunus has consistently denied these allegations.