NEW DELHI, Aug 8: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus on his being sworn-in as the head of Bangladesh’s caretaker government on Thursday.
Mr Modi expressed hope for a swift return to normalcy in Bangladesh, and called for the safety and protection of Hindus and other minority communities in the country.
“My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfil the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security and development,” Mr Modi wrote on X.
The transition in Bangladesh comes on the heels of intense political turmoil that led to the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Ms Hasina’s government was toppled following widespread protests, primarily driven by student movements contesting a controversial reservation quota for the relatives of the freedom fighters who freed the country from Pakistan in 1971.
Mr Yunus, 84, was appointed to lead the interim government after student protesters recommended him for the role. Returning to Dhaka from Paris, where he had been receiving medical treatment, Mr Yunus addressed the media at the airport. Visibly moved, he remarked, “The country has the possibility of becoming a very beautiful nation. Whatever path our students show us, we will move ahead with that.”
The Nobel laureate is celebrated for his pioneering work in microcredit and is best known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution that revolutionised the concept of microcredit by providing small loans to some of the world’s poorest people, predominantly women. This ground-breaking approach not only lifted millions out of poverty but also redefined the role of financial institutions in societal development.
Signalling the beginning of a new chapter after 15 years of Sheikh Hasina as the prime minister, Mr took oath as the head of the interim government on Thursday. “I will uphold, support and protect the constitution and will perform my duties sincerely,” Mr Yunus said at the swearing-in event.
The oath was administered by Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin at his official residence, ‘Bangabhaban.’ Mr Yunus has been sworn in as the chief adviser in the interim government, a position akin to that of prime minister, and a 16-member council of advisers will be assisting him. The advisers include Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, two key leaders of the protests that led to Ms Hasina’s ouster.
Among the other members of the council are Adilur Rahman Khan, a prominent rights activist who was sentenced to a two-year jail term under Ms Hasina; women’s rights activist Farida Akhtar; Grameen Telecom trustee Nurjahan Begum; former foreign secretary Touhid Hossain; and AFM Khalid Hossain, deputy chief of right-wing party Hefazat-e-Islam.
Speaking before the swearing-in ceremony, Mr Yunus said, “Today is a glorious day for us… Bangladesh has created a new victory day. Bangladesh has got a second independence.” Urging a return to normalcy, he added, “We cannot take a step forward unless we fix the law and order situation. My call to the people is that if you have trust in me, make sure there will be no attacks against anyone, anywhere in the country… We are one big family.”
(Manas Dasgupta)