Signalling the beginning of a new chapter after 15 years of Sheikh Hasina as the prime minister, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus took oath as the head of the interim government in Bangladesh on Thursday. 

“I will uphold, support and protect the constitution and will perform my duties sincerely,” Mr Yunus said at the swearing-in event, which comes at a tumultuous time for Bangladesh. The country has witnessed violence and clashes after the student-led protests forced Ms Hasina to resign and flee the country on Monday.

Mr Yunus, 84, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for pioneering microcredit and microfinance, which he put into action through the Grameen Bank. He was sworn in hours after he returned to Dhaka from Paris, where he had been undergoing medical treatment. The oath was administered by Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin at his official residence, Bangabhaban.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Mr Yunus and said India is hoping for an early return to normalcy in Bangladesh, which would also ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities. 

“My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of 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 shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security and development,” PM Modi wrote on X. 

Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus will today take oath as the leader of the interim Bangladesh government. After landing in the country, Yunus paid tribute to those killed in Bangladesh’s deadly protests that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, saying their sacrifices had brought the nation a “second independence”.

“Today is a glorious day for us,” he told reporters at the airport in Dhaka shortly after returning to the country to lead a caretaker government.

“Bangladesh has created a new victory day. Bangladesh has got a second independence.”

Yunus called for the restoration of order after weeks of violence that left at least 455 people dead, calling on citizens to guard each other, including minorities who came under attack.

Here are the Live updates:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, who was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s caretaker government today. PM Modi expressed hope for a swift return to normalcy in Bangladesh, and called for the safety and protection of Hindus and other minority communities in the country. 

“My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of 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 fulfil the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security and development,” PM Modi wrote on X. 

My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of 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) August 8, 2024

The transition in Bangladesh comes on the heels of intense political turmoil that led to the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Ms Hasina’s government was toppled following widespread protests, primarily driven by student movements contesting a controversial quota. 

Mr Yunus, 84, was appointed to lead the interim government after student protesters recommended him for the role. Returning to Dhaka from Paris, where he had been receiving medical treatment, Mr Yunus addressed the media at the airport. Visibly moved, he remarked, “The country has the possibility of becoming a very beautiful nation. Whatever path our students show us, we will move ahead with that.”

The Nobel laureate is celebrated for his pioneering work in microcredit and is best known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution that revolutionised the concept of microcredit by providing small loans to some of the world’s poorest people, predominantly women. This groundbreaking approach not only lifted millions out of poverty but also redefined the role of financial institutions in societal development.