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“Hope for a Swift Return to Normalcy”: PM Modi to Bangladesh’s Interim Govt. Head, Muhammad Yunus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warmest wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on his recent appointment as the head of Bangladesh's interim government. In a gesture of goodwill and cooperation, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of a swift return to stability and peace, particularly for the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh. With Professor Yunus at the helm, there is a unique opportunity to foster an inclusive and harmonious environment, ensuring the protection and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their religious or cultural background.

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10 August, 2024

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends his well-wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on assuming his new role, expressing hope for a swift return to stability in Bangladesh. Modi emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety of Hindus and other minorities, with India committed to collaborating with Bangladesh for mutual peace, security, and development.

“My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on his new responsibilities. We hope for a swift return to normalcy in Bangladesh, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all minority communities. India remains dedicated to working alongside Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of our peoples for peace, security, and development,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X.

My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

Nobel Peace Prize laureate, economist Muhammad Yunus, has been sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government. This development follows former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid escalating student-led protests against the quota system for government jobs.

The political climate in Bangladesh remains volatile, with the initial protests expanding into broader anti-government demonstrations.

Muhammad Yunus, at 84 years of age, took the oath of office in Dhaka on Thursday night. This ceremony occurred amidst a backdrop of massive civil unrest, sparked by weeks of student-led protests that ultimately led to the resignation and exile of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India.

Renowned as a Bangladeshi social entrepreneur and the founder of Grameen Bank, Muhammad Yunus was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. His pioneering work in microcredit has significantly contributed to economic and social development within Bangladesh.

Yunus now faces the critical tasks of restoring peace to Bangladesh and preparing the nation for upcoming elections.

As per Al Jazeera, Bangladesh’s figurehead President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to Yunus, who will serve as the chief advisor, a role equivalent to that of a prime minister.

The ceremony was graced by foreign diplomats, civil society members, prominent businessmen, and members of the former opposition party, all gathered at the presidential palace in Dhaka. Notably absent were representatives from the Awami League, the party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Upon his arrival in Bangladesh earlier that day, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus made an impassioned appeal to his supporters and the people of Bangladesh, urging them to maintain calm and put an end to the chaos. He emphasized that the country’s first responsibility is to ensure no attacks are carried out against anyone, allowing Bangladesh to realize its tremendous potential and follow the path shown by its students.

Tarah Nguyen