According to a reliable source cited by The Daily Star, Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has agreed to lead Bangladesh’s interim government following the recent ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wazed and her subsequent departure from Dhaka.
The source confirmed that Yunus accepted the students’ nomination to take on this role during a challenging period for the nation.
Initially, Dr. Yunus was hesitant about assuming the position. He reportedly expressed concerns about his existing commitments, saying, “When I was contacted on behalf of the students, I didn’t agree at first. I told them I have a lot of work to finish. But the students repeatedly requested me.”
The students, however, were persistent in their appeal, arguing that the nation needed a leader who could guide it through this tumultuous time. One student conveyed their argument by stating, “Many people lost their lives in this movement and many students and common people were killed. Now Bangladesh has the opportunity to run the country in a proper way.
And it is possible only if you take responsibility. If you don’t agree to take responsibility, it won’t be good for any of us. That’s why we’re asking you to take responsibility.”
Dr. Yunus reflected on the gravity of the situation and the sacrifices made by the students and the general populace.
He remarked, “I also considered that these students had protested so much, they had to pay so much for it. If the students can sacrifice so much, if the people of the country can sacrifice so much, then I also have some responsibility. Then I told the students that I can take the responsibility.”
At present, Dr. Yunus is abroad, having traveled to Paris as a special guest at the invitation of the Olympic Committee. He is also abroad for medical treatment.
Despite his current location, it is anticipated that he will return to Bangladesh “as soon as possible” to assume his new role as the head of the interim government.
