Kolkata, August 06 (The Street Press India) – Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has been named the chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government.
The announcement came from the coordinators of Students Against Discrimination, Mo. Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, and Abu Bakr Mazumdar, at 4:40 a.m. (Bangladesh time) on Tuesday. They also shared a video statement.
“We had taken 24 hours to propose our interim government. Given the emergency situation, we are now announcing its outline. We have decided to form an interim government with Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the chief adviser, who is universally accepted and internationally renowned,” read the statement. “We have already spoken with Dr Yunus, and he has agreed to take on this crucial responsibility at the call of the student community to save Bangladesh.”
The students have urged Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin to officially announce the interim government.
“We appeal to the President to quickly form the interim government with Dr Muhammad Yunus as the chief advisor. We will announce the names of the other members of this interim government by this morning,” read the statement. “We want to see the formation process of this government by this morning.”
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, confronted by a massive student movement that left over 300 dead in three weeks, resigned and fled Bangladesh on Monday afternoon. The army has taken control, promising an interim government.
Late on Monday, President Mohammad Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament and ordered the release of former Prime Minister and BNP chief Khaleda Zia, who had been under house arrest.
In a televised address with the military chiefs by his side, President Shahabuddin said, “A decision has been taken to form an interim government as soon as possible by dissolving Parliament. The army will also take measures to normalize the prevailing anarchic situation.”
Since the departure of Sheikh Hasina, who is now at the Hindon air base near Delhi, Bangladesh has experienced widespread violence targeting Awami League supporters and minorities.
Actor Shanto Khan and his father Salim Khan, chairman of the Lakshmipur Union board, were killed on Monday night. Violence has been reported in several areas, including Dhaka, Jessore, Chandpur, Kushthia, Baniachang, Sibalaya, Sripur, Chuadanga, Jhinaidaa, Ghazipur, Shariyatpur, and Koyra.
“I am directing the armed forces to take stern measures to protect the lives and properties of the people and state assets. I call upon all to come forward to ensure communal harmony, security of minorities and protect government property,” the president said.
He assured that those involved in the killings and violence would be brought to justice through impartial investigations.
He also announced that all offices and courts in the country would reopen on Tuesday.
“Let’s work together to save the country. I humbly call upon everyone to play their role from their respective positions to advance the country, rising above mutual envy and animosity,” he added.
Meanwhile, students claimed there was an attempt to sabotage the uprising.
“We can see that after our uprising and revolution, the fascists and their accomplices are causing chaos and sabotage. In various places, shootings are taking place, temples are being attacked, and there is sabotage and looting. We believe that these incidents are being orchestrated to undermine our students’ and citizens’ revolution. We urge the Dear students-citizen striving for freedom to remain vigilant and cautious,” the statement said.
After Hasina’s departure, people raided her official residence, Gana Bhaban, taking her personal belongings, including printer cartridges. Refrigerators, television sets, furniture, lamps, and even a car were damaged.
