Bangladesh is on the brink of a new era as Muhammad Yunus, the country's next leader, prepares to take office following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Yunus, who was returning from an overseas trip, urged the people of Bangladesh to remain calm and focus on rebuilding the nation after the recent uprising.
Upon his arrival in Dhaka, Yunus will be welcomed by Bangladesh's military chief, signaling a smooth transition of power. He is set to be sworn in by President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday night.
Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for his work in microcredit markets, expressed his gratitude to the student activists who played a pivotal role in the recent events. He called for peace and unity, emphasizing that violence is not the solution to the country's challenges.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the military chief, expressed confidence in Yunus's ability to lead Bangladesh towards a 'beautiful democratic' process. Yunus, however, remained cautious about setting a timeline for elections, stating that he needs to assess the situation upon his return.
The recent turmoil in Bangladesh stemmed from protests against a government job quota system, which escalated into a broader movement against Hasina's rule characterized by allegations of human rights abuses and corruption. Hasina's resignation created a power vacuum, prompting the need for an interim administration and new elections.
Yunus's appointment comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, a country grappling with internal strife, high unemployment, and complex international relations. The transition of power is seen as a pivotal moment in the nation's history, with hopes for stability and progress under Yunus's leadership.