Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus expressed his willingness to lead an interim government in Bangladesh following widespread protests that led to the departure of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina from the country. Yunus said that the interim government is just the first step, and that lasting peace can only be achieved through free elections, which are essential for bringing about change.
“The interim government is only the beginning,” he said in a written statement to news agency AFP.
“Lasting peace will only come with free elections. Without elections, there will be no change.”
The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer, known for his work providing small loans to rural women to help them invest in farming equipment or business tools, stated, “If action is needed in Bangladesh, for my country and for the courage of my people, then I will take it.” He also called for “free elections” in his statement.
“I am honoured by the trust of the protesters who wish for me to lead the interim government,” said Yunus in his statement to AFP. He acknowledged the youth’s desire for change in the country and praised their courage, stating that they have made Bangladesh proud and demonstrated the nation’s determination against injustice.
Speaking to French daily Le Figaro, Yunus expressed his desire to remain “out of politics” but said he could lead the government if circumstances “require it.”
On Tuesday, Yunus was selected to serve as the chief adviser of the interim government in Bangladesh, as announced by the coordinators of the student protest movement.
In a tweet, the Bangladesh student protest coordinators stated, “The interim govt. of the student-citizen uprising will be formed with Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the Chief Advisor. Proposals for the names of the other members of the interim govternment will be shared tomorrow morning.”
Hasina, 76, had been in power since 2009 but faced accusations of rigging elections in January. Millions of people took to the streets over the past month demanding her resignation. Despite security forces’ efforts to quell the unrest, which resulted in hundreds of deaths, the protests continued to grow until Hasina finally fled the country by helicopter on Monday after losing the military’s support.
“The interim government is only the beginning,” he said in a written statement to news agency AFP.
“Lasting peace will only come with free elections. Without elections, there will be no change.”
The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer, known for his work providing small loans to rural women to help them invest in farming equipment or business tools, stated, “If action is needed in Bangladesh, for my country and for the courage of my people, then I will take it.” He also called for “free elections” in his statement.
“I am honoured by the trust of the protesters who wish for me to lead the interim government,” said Yunus in his statement to AFP. He acknowledged the youth’s desire for change in the country and praised their courage, stating that they have made Bangladesh proud and demonstrated the nation’s determination against injustice.
Speaking to French daily Le Figaro, Yunus expressed his desire to remain “out of politics” but said he could lead the government if circumstances “require it.”
On Tuesday, Yunus was selected to serve as the chief adviser of the interim government in Bangladesh, as announced by the coordinators of the student protest movement.
In a tweet, the Bangladesh student protest coordinators stated, “The interim govt. of the student-citizen uprising will be formed with Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the Chief Advisor. Proposals for the names of the other members of the interim govternment will be shared tomorrow morning.”
Hasina, 76, had been in power since 2009 but faced accusations of rigging elections in January. Millions of people took to the streets over the past month demanding her resignation. Despite security forces’ efforts to quell the unrest, which resulted in hundreds of deaths, the protests continued to grow until Hasina finally fled the country by helicopter on Monday after losing the military’s support.