Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus to Lead Bangladesh’s Interim Government amid Political Crisis

Bangladesh’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has been named the head of the country’s new military-backed interim government. The decision came after a crucial meeting led by President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The move to appoint Yunus, widely known for his microfinance work, aligns with the demands of student leaders who had been instrumental in the protests against Hasina. The protests, centered on job quotas, had escalated over weeks, resulting in more than 400 deaths.​

Muhammad Yunus, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his pioneering microfinance work, was previously removed from Grameen Bank for reaching retirement age. The student leaders have submitted a list of potential candidates to join the interim government, which is expected to be formed shortly.

The student-led movement that pressured Hasina's resignation had proposed Yunus as the chief adviser for the interim government. Yunus, who was previously targeted by Hasina's government with over 190 legal cases and disputes, has agreed to lead the interim administration under the current circumstances.

The interim government formation follows a series of changes within the Bangladeshi military, including the demotion of generals loyal to Hasina and the dismissal of the Rapid Action Battalion's commander, Ziaul Ahsan. Additionally, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was released from house arrest.

Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power for 15 years, resigned on Monday amidst widespread protests and fled the country. According to reports, the Bangladesh Army issued her a 45-minute ultimatum to leave Dhaka. She is currently in India and had been put up at an unspecified location by the Indian authorities. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that the Indian government is monitoring the situation closely and is in touch with Bangladeshi military officials to ensure safety and address any diplomatic repercussions.​​