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Yunus Claims That He will Turn the Students' Aspirations for Bangladesh Into Reality
In a surprising development, Muhammad Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has taken the helm of Bangladesh's interim government following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst months of intense student protests. Yunus, renowned for his pioneering work in microfinance, accepted this role at the request of the country's youth, who view him as the ideal leader to guide Bangladesh through this challenging period.
"I'm doing this because this is what the youth of the country wanted, and I wanted to help them do it," Yunus said during a private briefing with select journalists at the Jamuna State House. "It's not my dream; it's their dream. So I'm helping them make it come true."
The power transition follows widespread unrest that has resulted in over 400 fatalities and left law enforcement in turmoil. Police unions had gone on strike, leading students to manage traffic, while numerous police stations were damaged by fires. Yunus has identified the restoration of law and order as his top priority, stating, "Law and order is the first concern so that people can sit down or get to work."
On Monday, signs of progress emerged as police officers began returning to their posts. However, the challenges facing the interim government extend beyond security issues. Yunus described the situation left by the previous administration as "a mess, a complete mess," noting that the government had essentially "disappeared" following Sheikh Hasina's departure from the country.
Despite the turmoil, Yunus remains hopeful. "We are here: a fresh new face for them, for the country... Because finally, this moment, the monster is gone. So this is excitement," he said, highlighting the potential for positive change.
Reform is central to Yunus's agenda. The protest movement that led to this governmental shift began with demands for reforming a quota system for public sector jobs. It escalated dramatically after a violent crackdown by security forces, ultimately leading to calls for Sheikh Hasina's resignation.
Yunus emphasized the urgent need for reforms in various sectors, particularly regarding freedom of speech, which was heavily restricted under the previous government. He himself claims to have been a victim of this repression, having been sentenced to six months in jail in what he describes as a politically motivated case.
In a groundbreaking move, Yunus announced that each ministry will include a student representative, recognizing the critical role played by young activists in driving change. Two student protest leaders, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, have already been appointed to his cabinet.
Judicial reform is another key focus. Yunus criticized the lack of independence in the judiciary under the previous administration, alleging that the chief justice was effectively "just a hangman" taking orders from "some superior authority."
While acknowledging that not all decisions will be universally popular, Yunus expressed hope that his leadership will bring positive change. "Whatever experience I have in my work... So I'm not saying I can run a government. I'm saying that I have some experience running some organizations. I'll bring that as much as I can. There will be people who like it, people who dislike it. But we have to proceed," he said.
As Bangladesh enters this new chapter, the world will be watching to see how Yunus and his student-influenced interim government navigate the complex challenges ahead. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this unexpected transition can deliver the reforms and stability the people of Bangladesh have been demanding.