Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Prize-winning microfinance pioneer from Bangladesh, has been chosen to head an interim government following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The announcement was made by the country’s presidency on Wednesday.
The decision to establish an interim government with Yunus at its helm was made during a meeting involving President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders, and the leaders of the Students Against Discrimination group, according to a statement from Shahabuddin’s press office.
Nahid Islam, a leader of the student group, confirmed the decision to the press following a three-hour discussion at the presidential palace.
“The president has urged the public to assist in overcoming the crisis. The swift formation of an interim government is imperative to address the situation,” stated Shahabuddin’s office.
Shahabuddin also relieved the national police chief of duty in the aftermath of violent protests that led to Hasina’s resignation, appointing a replacement, as per his office.
Islam described the discussions as “productive” and mentioned that Shahabuddin had agreed to establish the interim government “as soon as possible.”
AFP