Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who was recently sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government, has lauded the students who played a key role in the protests that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Yunus, who took office last week, expressed his admiration for the students during a press briefing, acknowledging their pivotal role in bringing about the collapse of the previous government.
"There is no doubt that the student-led revolution caused the entire government to fall," Yunus said after a Sunday night meeting with the student leaders. He recounted how the students had urged him to take charge of the interim administration. "I respect you... I admire you. What you have done is absolutely unparalleled... and because you ordered me to do this, I accept," Yunus shared, reflecting on his conversation with the student leaders.
Two prominent student activists, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, have joined Yunus in a 16-member advisory council that was inaugurated alongside him.
Yunus, 84, who won the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for his pioneering work in microfinance and founding the Grameen Bank, emphasized that the wave of resignations among top public officials, including the Chief Justice and the central bank governor, was conducted legally and in line with the students' demands.
"They want a new court, so they went to the Chief Justice and pressured him to resign," Yunus explained, adding that all legal procedures were followed.
Referring to the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Yunus stated, "Finally, this moment, the monster is gone," a sentiment reflecting widespread criticism of her administration's authoritarian tendencies. However, Yunus cautioned the interim government about the challenges ahead, warning that public support could wane as difficult decisions are made.
The interim government was formed after weeks of violent protests over job quotas led to Hasina's resignation and departure from Bangladesh. Hasina, a five-time Prime Minister and key ally of India, fled to India in a military aircraft and is reportedly seeking asylum, possibly in the United Kingdom.
Yunus, who had faced corruption charges under Hasina's government and was in Europe during her tenure, was selected by the protesters to lead democratic reforms in Bangladesh. His first official act as 'chief advisor' was to pay tribute to the more than 450 people who lost their lives during the protests.
The timeline for the next election to choose a new Prime Minister remains uncertain, but Hasina is expected to return to contest once the interim government schedules the vote, according to her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Yunus, expressing hope for a quick return to normalcy in Bangladesh and ensuring the safety of minority communities. Modi also reiterated India's commitment to working with Bangladesh for peace, security, and development.
The change in leadership presents a diplomatic challenge for India, as China has also quickly expressed its support for the new authorities.