Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived in Bangladesh from Dubai on Thursday to assume the role of chief adviser to the interim government following Sheikh Hasina’s removal amid violent protests.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s inaugural address in Dhaka
In his first address after returning to Dhaka, Dr. Muhammad Yunus praised students for their role in preserving Bangladesh’s freedom. The Nobel laureate emphasized the importance of safeguarding the nation’s hard-earned liberty, achieved through historic struggles. He described the recent attacks on minorities as part of a larger conspiracy, following violent protests and actions by state forces, including police and military.
Read more: Bangladesh Awaits Interim Government While the Army Chief is Set to Meet Protesters
Speaking at Shahjalal International Airport alongside student leaders who led the protests, Yunus urged for the country to be saved from chaos and violence, so progress can be made as guided by the students. He expressed hope for Bangladesh’s potential to be realized and urged the youth to lead the revival of the nation.
The U.S. State Department, represented by Spokesman Matthew Miller, indicated that the interim government led by Yunus is crucial for achieving long-term peace and political stability in Bangladesh. Miller stated that the interim government’s decisions should align with democratic values and the will of the Bangladeshi people.
Yunus’s flight landed at Dhaka’s airport, and the new interim government is set to be sworn in tonight. The decision to appoint Yunus as chief adviser followed a meeting involving key figures from the anti-discrimination movement and President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The interim government’s formation comes after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5 amid a student-led uprising demanding equality.
The protests, which began on July 16, have led to over 400 deaths, according to The Daily Star. The movement, initially sparked by a demand to reform the quota system, culminated in Hasina’s resignation and the downfall of her Awami League government.
ATMs in Dhaka are empty of cash
Nasir Hossain, a resident of Dhanmondi in Dhaka, needed to buy urgent supplies after not visiting the market for several days due to the protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
Normally, he relies on ATMs for convenience and doesn’t carry much cash. However, despite visiting nearly 10 ATMs in his area, he was unable to withdraw any money, as the machines were either out of cash or restricted to cards from specific banks.
