Muhammad Yunus Appointed Head of Bangladesh’s Interim Government

DHAKA:
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Dhaka Tribune reported. The announcement came from Bangladesh President’s Press Secretary Joynal Abedin. The appointment was decided during a meeting between President Mohammed Shahabuddin and coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement .

Joynal Abedin noted that the remaining members of the interim government will be finalized after consultations with various political parties, according to the Dhaka Tribune . Earlier, a 13-member team from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement visited Bangabhaban to discuss the current political situation and the outline of the interim government. The meeting occurred on Tuesday at 6 pm local time, and included discussions with the President and chiefs of the three armed forces.

Bangladesh is navigating a turbulent political landscape following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5 amid growing student-led protests against the quota system for government jobs. These protests rapidly escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations.

The day after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the national parliament to facilitate the formation of an interim administration, as reported by Dhaka Tribune . This move followed a meeting involving the President, the heads of the three armed forces, political party leaders, civil society representatives, and leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement .

Additionally, the statement revealed that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been released from prison. It also mentioned that efforts to release those detained during the student protests from July 1 to August 5 had commenced, with many already freed. The president’s press team confirmed that the decision to free Khaleda Zia was reached unanimously.

“The meeting has also decided to free all the people who have been arrested during the student protests,” the president’s statement emphasized.