DHAKA: Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim head of government, officially stepped down on Monday, signaling the transfer of power to an elected administration.
In a broadcast to the nation, the 85-year-old Nobel Peace laureate remarked, “Today, the interim government is concluding its tenure.”
He urged the nation to continue fostering democracy, free speech, and fundamental rights, emphasizing that the momentum for these freedoms must persist.
Yunus, who returned from self-imposed exile in August 2024 shortly after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime due to a student-led uprising, described that day as a historic moment of liberation and joy for Bangladesh.“Today marks a new chapter,” he said. “Our youth liberated the nation from oppression, and the spirit of freedom is alive and well.” Yunus has served as the “chief adviser” during this transitional period and now congratulates the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader, Tarique Rahman, on their electoral victory last week.
He praised the electoral process, calling it a “model of democracy,” and highlighted the significance of the recent referendum, which endorsed sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening governance institutions. The “July Charter,” named after the month of the uprising, proposes term limits for prime ministers, the establishment of an upper house, enhanced presidential authority, and increased judicial independence.
Yunus acknowledged that the nation’s reforms are still a work in progress, with many requiring parliamentary approval. The recent elections saw the BNP-led coalition secure 212 seats, with the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance winning 77 seats, according to the Election Commission. Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman pledged to serve as a “principled and peaceful opposition.”
Swearing-in of new parliament members is anticipated on Tuesday, with Tarique Rahman expected to assume the role of Prime Minister. Despite political tensions including violent clashes that resulted in five deaths and over 600 injuries during the campaign the election day proceeded peacefully, and the country has responded with calm to the election outcomes.
