Marking the beginning of a new era in Bangladesh, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of the interim government on Thursday, following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina after 15 years in power. I will uphold, support, and protect the constitution and will perform my duties sincerely, Yunus stated during the ceremony, which took place against a backdrop of ongoing unrest in the country. Violence and clashes have persisted even after student-led protests forced Hasina to step down and flee to India earlier this week.Yunus takes center stageAt 84, Yunus, renowned for pioneering microcredit and microfinance through the Grameen Bank, took the oath of office just hours after returning to Dhaka from Paris, where he had been receiving medical treatment. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the presidential residence, Bangabhaban.Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Yunus, expressing hope for a swift return to peace and stability in Bangladesh, ensuring the safety of Hindus and other minority communities. My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities, Modi shared on X.My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 8, 2024Advisory council formationYunus has taken the role of chief adviser, akin to that of prime minister, and will lead a 16-member advisory council. The council includes key protest leaders Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, and prominent figures such as rights activist Adilur Rahman Khan and womens rights advocate Farida Akhtar.In his remarks before taking the oath, Yunus declared, Today is a glorious day for us... Bangladesh has created a new victory day. Bangladesh has got a second independence. He urged the public to restore peace, emphasizing the importance of law and order.Ongoing unrest and protestsTensions in Bangladesh have been escalating since the January 7 elections, which saw Hasinas Awami League win amid accusations of electoral fraud. Protests reignited in June, leading to widespread violence, with over 450 deaths and significant unrest. The situation reached a boiling point when thousands of students marched to Hasinas residence, compelling her to resign.
