Bangladesh’s New Interim Government Led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus to Be Sworn In Today
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/8th August 2024
Bangladesh is poised for a significant political shift as members of the interim government, spearheaded by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, are set to take their oaths of office tonight. According to General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the chief of the Bangladesh Army, the ceremony is scheduled for 8:00 pm local time and will be attended by approximately 400 distinguished guests, as reported by the Daily Star.
This transition follows the recent resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent dissolution of her cabinet. The appointment of Yunus, an internationally recognized figure for his contributions to social business and development, marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape. General Waker-Uz-Zaman noted that the interim government is expected to include around 15 members, although specific names and the duration of their term have not been disclosed.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman expressed optimism about the situation, indicating that he anticipates a return to normalcy within the next few days as conditions in Bangladesh improve. He also reassured the public that those involved in recent criminal activities would face legal consequences. His comments came during a briefing at the Army Headquarters, where he emphasized the importance of swift action to restore order and address ongoing challenges.
The decision to appoint Yunus as the head of the interim government followed discussions between key student protest organizers and President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Yunus’s leadership is seen as a step towards stabilizing the country and addressing the public’s concerns about the transition of power. In his interactions with General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Yunus demonstrated eagerness to assume responsibility and steer Bangladesh towards a democratic resolution.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman praised Yunus’s commitment and expressed confidence that he would successfully guide the nation through this period. He also highlighted the efforts of students and volunteers who have been actively involved in maintaining public services and addressing vandalism in the absence of regular law enforcement.
Despite these positive developments, General Waker-Uz-Zaman acknowledged the challenges faced during the initial days of the transition. He pointed out that the absence of sufficient police presence had led to some incidents of looting and vandalism. However, he assured that both the army and newly appointed police personnel are working diligently to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
Yunus has also made a public appeal for calm, denouncing violence as detrimental to the country’s progress. He urged all Bangladeshis, including students and political activists, to refrain from violent actions and focus on constructive efforts to build a better future. His call for unity and peaceful cooperation reflects his vision for a stable and prosperous Bangladesh.
As the interim government prepares to take office, the nation is closely watching to see how Yunus’s leadership will influence the country’s path forward. The focus remains on restoring stability and addressing the needs of the populace during this critical period of transition.