Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Sworn in as Head of Bangladesh's Interim Government

Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate, sworn in as head of Bangladesh's interim government after PM Sheikh Hasina fled amid unrest. Key tasks include restoring peace and preparing for elections. He urged calm and emphasized non-violence to ensure the country's stability and progress.

Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus has been officially sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government. The swearing-in ceremony took place three days after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign and flee the country due to escalating unrest, according to Al Jazeera. Yunus, 84, accepted the role during a ceremony in Dhaka on Thursday night.

Bangladesh has been plagued by violence following protests led predominantly by students opposing a quota system for government jobs, which soon turned into broader anti-government demonstrations. Yunus's primary responsibility now is to restore peace and stability in Bangladesh and facilitate the organization of new elections.

The oath of office was administered by Bangladesh's figurehead President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the presidential palace, in the presence of diplomats, civil society members, top businessmen, and former opposition party members. Notably, no representatives from Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party attended the event. Yunus, a pioneering social entrepreneur and founder of Grameen Bank, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work in economic and social development through microcredit.

Upon his arrival in Bangladesh earlier in the day, Yunus made a heartfelt appeal to his supporters and urged the populace to maintain calm and end the chaos. He emphasized that preventing violence is the 'first responsibility' and crucial for the country's future progress. 'If you have faith in me and trust me, ensure there will be no attacks anywhere in the country,' Yunus said during a press briefing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Bangladesh's current political climate is unstable, following Sheikh Hasina's resignation on August 5 amidst growing protests. What began as student-led demonstrations against a government job quota system has morphed into wider anti-government movements. The situation has become increasingly volatile, with reports of attacks on Awami League offices, members, and minority communities by extremist groups. Incidents of killings and arson have also been documented, according to ANI.

(With inputs from agencies.)