Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus made a dramatic return to Bangladesh on Thursday, taking the helm of a newly formed caretaker government after weeks of intense student protests forced the resignation of long-standing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The 84-year-old economist, who has been a vocal critic of Hasina, arrived in Dhaka to a warm reception, following a period of medical treatment in Paris. His return marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape, as the country navigates a path towards new elections under Yunus’ leadership.
Yunus, celebrated globally as the “banker to the poor” for his pioneering work in microfinance, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts to combat poverty through small loans to underprivileged borrowers. His return to Bangladesh comes at a time of deep political unrest, with the country having witnessed weeks of violent protests led by students demanding Hasina’s resignation.
At the Dhaka airport, Yunus was greeted by senior military officers and student leaders, underscoring the broad-based support he enjoys across various sectors of society. In an emotional address, Yunus praised the student protesters, attributing the country’s newfound hope for change to their relentless efforts. “The country has the possibility of becoming a very beautiful nation,” he told reporters, his voice wavering as he held back tears while recalling the sacrifices made by the protesters, including a student who was shot during the demonstrations.
Yunus’ appointment as the head of the caretaker government reflects the profound impact of the student-led movement, which began as a protest against quotas in government jobs but quickly escalated into a broader call for political reform. The movement gained momentum in July, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic issues, political repression, and allegations of corruption.
The violence that accompanied the protests claimed the lives of approximately 300 people and left thousands injured. Hasina’s Awami League party, which has dominated Bangladesh’s political scene for decades, was notably absent from the interim government after her resignation on Monday. The former prime minister, who had ruled for 20 of the last 30 years, fled to neighboring India, where she is reportedly taking refuge in the New Delhi area. Her departure was met with both jubilation and anger, with crowds storming her official residence and vandalizing properties associated with her regime.
The situation in Bangladesh has drawn international attention, with neighboring India expressing concern over the stability of its close ally. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held discussions with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Thursday, highlighting the importance of peace and stability in Bangladesh for the broader region.
The interim government, led by Yunus, is tasked with steering the country towards elections for a new leader. Two prominent student leaders, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, who played key roles in the protests, are expected to join the caretaker administration, signaling a significant shift in the political dynamics of the country.
As Yunus prepares to be sworn in as the head of the caretaker government at the official residence of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, the nation watches closely. The coming months will be crucial as Bangladesh embarks on a journey towards political renewal under the leadership of a Nobel laureate whose life’s work has been dedicated to uplifting the poor and advocating for social justice.
