Written By Lisa Murimi
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been named Bangladesh’s interim leader, following the dramatic resignation and flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The 84-year-old Yunus, renowned for his pioneering work with microloans through Grameen Bank, assumes the role amidst ongoing unrest and calls for democratic reform.
Yunus’s appointment comes a day after Hasina fled the country, pressured by weeks of intense protests against the rising cost of living and alleged poor governance.
The protests, which have claimed over 400 lives, began in July with demands for civil service reform but quickly expanded into a broader anti-government movement. In one of the deadliest days, over 100 people died in clashes on Monday.
Yunus, who is currently returning from Paris for medical reasons, was chosen following a meeting between President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders, and student leaders who led the protests.
Despite facing his own legal battles, Yunus was favored by protesters over a potential military-led government.
Hasina’s departure ends nearly 15 years of rule marked by allegations of authoritarianism and suppression of dissent.
The new interim government faces the challenge of restoring stability and addressing the demands for democratic reforms, with international leaders urging adherence to democratic principles and respect for human rights.
