Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, according to an announcement by the President’s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune. This decision follows a crucial meeting between President Mohammed Shahabuddin and the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
Abedin noted that the formation of the rest of the interim government will be finalised after further discussions with various political parties. This decision was reached after a 13-member delegation from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement met with the President at Bangabhaban to discuss the political crisis and the interim government’s framework.
The political landscape in Bangladesh remains unstable following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5 amid widespread protests. These demonstrations, initially focused on ending the quota system for government jobs, quickly evolved into broader anti-government protests.
Following Hasina’s resignation and departure, President Shahabuddin dissolved the national parliament to pave the way for the interim administration. The dissolution and subsequent appointment were based on consultations with the leaders of the armed forces, political parties, civil society representatives, and student movement leaders.
In addition to Yunus’s appointment, the interim government will oversee the release of detainees arrested during recent protests. Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has already been released from jail, along with others detained in connection with the student movement from July 1 to August 5.
The President’s office confirmed that these actions are part of a broader effort to address the current political turmoil and facilitate a smoother transition.
