Lagatar24 Desk
Dhaka: Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has announced his willingness to lead an interim government in Bangladesh following massive demonstrations that led to the departure of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina.
In a written statement to AFP, Yunus expressed his honor at the trust placed in him by protesters. “I am honored by the trust of the protesters who wish for me to lead the interim government,” he said. Yunus emphasized the necessity of free elections, stating, “If action is needed in Bangladesh, for my country and for the courage of my people, then I will take it. The interim government is only the beginning. Lasting peace will only come with free elections. Without elections, there will be no change.”
Known as the “banker to the poorest of the poor,” Yunus was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his pioneering work in microfinance, providing small loans to rural women to help them invest in farming tools or business equipment and improve their earnings.
Earlier on Tuesday, student leaders in Bangladesh called for Yunus to head a caretaker government, a day after the military seized control amid escalating protests that forced Hasina to flee the country. Hasina, who had been in power since 2009, faced accusations of rigging the January elections. Over the past month, millions took to the streets demanding her resignation, with the unrest resulting in hundreds of deaths as security forces attempted to suppress the protests.
“The youth have voiced their need for change in our country,” Yunus stated. “The prime minister heard them by leaving the country. This was a very important first step taken yesterday. The courage of this youth is boundless. They have made Bangladesh proud and shown the world our nation’s determination against injustice.”
In an earlier interview with French daily Le Figaro, Yunus mentioned his preference to stay “out of politics” but indicated his willingness to lead the government if necessary.
