Bangladesh is witnessing a significant leadership change as Muhammad Yunus steps into the interim government amidst ongoing turmoil. Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel laureate, accepted the role following the unexpected resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Responding to a call from student leaders, Yunus stated, “I’m doing this because this is what the youth of the country wanted. I aim to help realize their dreams.” His swearing-in marked a pivotal moment after months of rising student-led protests.
One of the most urgent issues confronting Yunus is the deteriorating security situation. Following violent protests that left over 400 dead, the police force is significantly undermanned, with many officers on strike and relying on students to maintain public order.
“Law and order must be reinstated so the public can resume daily activities,” Yunus emphasized. As police gradually return to their duties, significant challenges remain beyond security.
Yunus highlighted the government’s collapse after Hasina’s departure, characterizing the situation left behind as chaotic. “After 15 years of authoritarian rule, the system has become a complete mess,” he noted.
Amidst the chaos, however, Yunus expressed optimism. “We represent a fresh beginning for the country… Finally, this moment is marked by excitement.” He acknowledges that reform is essential, particularly in addressing the recently sparked demands for changes to the public sector job quota system.
What began as a call for equitable job allocation transformed into demands for an entirely new government due to the harsh crackdown on protesters. Yunus stressed the need for reforms in freedom of speech, a right severely restricted under the former administration.
Yunus himself faced repression under the previous regime, having been imprisoned for six months for speaking out against the government. In a move to empower the youth, each government ministry will now include student representatives, acknowledging their significant role in reshaping Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Current student leaders Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud are already part of Yunus’s cabinet, signaling a commitment to integrate youth voices into governance.
Yunus also plans judiciary reforms, criticizing the previous system’s lack of independence, which he claims operated under the influence of higher authorities. While he anticipates that not all decisions will be universally accepted, he is focused on improvement.
“I have experience in managing organizations, and while I won’t claim to run a government flawlessly, I aim to apply all I have learned,” he asserted. “Change is necessary, and we must move forward.”
