Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus To Head Bangladesh Govt Amid Unrest

Bangladesh Nobel winner Muhammad Yunus will be heading the Bangladesh’s caretaker government. His name was announced a day after the military took control amid massive protests in the country.

Earlier in the day, Yunus, 84, said that he is ready to head the caretaker government.

The microfinance pioneer is credited with lifting millions out of poverty — earning the enmity of ousted Hasina and the wide respect of millions of Bangladeshis.

“If action is needed in Bangladesh, for my country and for the courage of my people, then I will take it,” he told AFP in a statement, also calling for “free elections”, after student leaders called for him to lead an interim government.

The development came a day after Awami League party chief Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post of Prime Minister and fled from the violence-hit nation to India following month long massive anti-government protests across the country.

“In Dr. Yunus, we trust,” Asif Mahmud, a key leader of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) group, wrote on Facebook.

The military also reshuffled several top generals, demoting some seen as close to Hasina, and sacking Ziaul Ahsan, a commander of the feared and US-sanctioned Rapid Action Battalion paramilitary force.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the Parliament earlier on Tuesday following an ultimatum from student protesters. Bangladesh’s Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman took over the administration and announced the formation of an interim government moments after Hasina resigned from her post. In a television address the General confirmed Hasina’s resignation and took the responsibility of the government. The Army chief said he had met political leaders and told them the Army would take over responsibility for law and order.

The embattled leader fled to India on Monday and is currently at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad. She is reported to remain in the country until she is granted a political asylum. Hasina, 76, is seeking an asylum in the UK. While she is exploring options for asylum in European countries, reports indicate that the UK is not prepared to grant her refuge. Sources suggest that her sister, Rehana, who holds UK citizenship, may leave for the UK shortly.

The country was marred by massive protests over the controversial quota system that reserves 30 per cent of the government jobs for the families of veterans who fought the 1971 liberation war.

(With inputs from agencies)

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