Bangladesh: Yunus Sworn in As Head of Interim Government
Bangladesh: Muhammad Yunus toSworn in As Head of Interim Government
The Facts
Muhammad Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist and banker, has been named chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government.Muhammad Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist, was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government on Thursday night during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Dhaka.
Yunus' appointment on Wednesday comes a day after Pres. Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament and ordered the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.His cabinet advisers include student leaders Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, prominent human rights activist Adilur Rahman Khan, and former foreign secretary Touhid Hossain.
The Spin
Yunus symbolizes hope in a nation yearning for peace and stability. He is committed to reforming Bangladesh's constitution to prevent dictatorship and maintaining an independent judiciary. As it navigates complex international relations, Yunus' administration must foster cooperation with global powers while securing lasting peace.
Though the West describes him as the "banker to the poor," Yunus is, in essence, an enemy of the poor. His silence on human rights abuses under Hasina's regime contrasts with his stance after their ties soured. It remains to be seen if he genuinely cares for his country or is just an opportunist.
