Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has been named as the temporary leader of Bangladesh after the country’s former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, fled amid ongoing unrest.
Yunus, who is known for his work with microloans, takes over as chief adviser of the interim government following weeks of deadly protests that led to Hasina’s departure.
Yunus, who founded Grameen Bank and won the Nobel Prize in 2006, had been a target of criticism from Hasina, who had accused him of exploiting the poor.
Recently, Yunus faced a jail sentence in what he claims was a politically motivated case. His supporters had argued that the legal actions against him were unfair.
The decision to appoint Yunus came after talks involving the President, military leaders, and student leaders.
The student protests, which started with demands for changes in civil service job quotas, escalated into a wider anti-government movement.
Over 400 people have died in the violence, with significant clashes and destruction reported.
As Yunus prepares to lead, his appointment has drawn international attention, with calls for respect for democratic principles and human rights.
The US Secretary of State and other global leaders have urged the new interim government to ensure democratic practices and investigate recent events thoroughly.
Credit : BBC
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