Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Takes Oath as Head of Bangladesh’s Interim Government

Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government on Thursday. The 84-year-old took the oath in Dhaka following widespread student-led protests against unequal quotas, which escalated after government forces under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina killed hundreds of protesters. This unrest ultimately led to Hasina being dethroned and fleeing to neighboring India.

During the ceremony, Yunus pledged to “uphold, support and protect the constitution” and vowed to perform his duties sincerely. His primary tasks now include restoring peace and laying the groundwork for new elections.

The oath was administered by Bangladesh’s figurehead President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the presidential palace in Dhaka. The ceremony was attended by foreign diplomats, civil society members, top businessmen, and members of the former opposition party. Notably, no representatives from Hasina’s party were present.

The interim cabinet, led by Yunus, includes sixteen other members, primarily drawn from civil society and two student protest leaders.