DHAKA: On Saturday, Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, made a passionate appeal for national unity while addressing the community in Rangpur. During his visit, Yunus embraced the grieving mother of Abu Sayeed, a student who was shot and killed by police during the recent mass protests that led to the end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule.
Yunus, the Nobel laureate who recently returned from Europe to lead a temporary administration, highlighted the urgent need for unity and a shift away from the divisive past. “Traditional police stations have become symbols of fear,” he said. “We must transform them into places of safety and trust.” He called for a transformation to “smart policing” and vowed to allocate all necessary resources for this initiative, ensuring that well-mannered and educated officers are deployed.
Sayeed, 25, was the first student to die on July 16 when police began cracking down on student-led protests against Hasina’s government. Yunus urged the nation to honor Sayeed’s memory by embodying his spirit of unity. “Abu Sayeed is now in every home,” Yunus declared. “We must emulate his courage and unity in our approach.”
In the wake of Hasina’s dramatic departure to India on Monday, political and social instability has surged. The former Prime Minister, who fled amid massive protests, faced accusations of severe human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings. The abrupt end to her rule has led to widespread purges, with several top officials, including the national police chief and central bank governor, being removed from their positions. The Chief Justice of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court also announced his resignation following public pressure.
The political upheaval has seen targeted attacks against the Hindu minority, exacerbating tensions with neighboring India. Over the past weeks, hundreds of Hindus have sought refuge at the Indian border amid fears of retaliation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh, underscoring the international concern over the unrest.
Amid these challenges, Yunus’ caretaker administration faces the daunting task of restoring order and conducting democratic reforms. The immediate priority is to ensure law and order, though this has been complicated by a police union strike demanding better safety measures. Despite the unrest, over half of the country’s police stations have reopened, guarded by army personnel.
Yunus, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his pioneering microfinance work, has promised elections within a few months as part of his mandate to stabilize and reform the country. As the nation grapples with ongoing unrest, the transition to a new governance model remains a critical focus.
