Dhaka, August 9: Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was officially sworn in as the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, marking a dramatic shift in the nation’s political landscape. The ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace in Dhaka, saw President Mohammad Shahabuddin administer the oath of office to Yunus and 13 other advisers.
Yunus, acclaimed for his groundbreaking work with Grameen Bank and his Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, steps into the role amid significant political turbulence. His appointment comes on the heels of the fall of Sheikh Hasinaâs Awami League government, which was ousted following widespread protests and a violent crackdown on demonstrators. The recent unrest, primarily driven by student groups opposing government job quotas, led to a tragic loss of 400 lives.
The new interim government is composed of 16 advisers, including legal experts, human rights activists, and environmental advocates. Notable figures include Salehuddin Ahmed, former governor of Bangladesh Bank; M Sakhawat Hossain, former election commissioner; and Syeda Rizwana Hasan, head of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association. Three members could not attend the oath-taking ceremony due to their unavailability.
In his inaugural speech, Yunus committed to “upholding, supporting, and protecting the constitution” and vowed to perform his duties with sincerity. His appointment is seen as a beacon of hope for a nation seeking stability and reform after a prolonged period of authoritarian rule.
The transition of power comes at a crucial time for Bangladesh, as the interim government faces the challenge of restoring public confidence and addressing the socio-political issues that led to the previous government’s downfall. The international community and local citizens alike are watching closely to see if Yunus’s leadership can bring about meaningful change and peace in the nation.