Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's interim leader, describes the daunting task of restoring order and planning for future elections after the departure of long-standing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose 16-year reign was marked by controversy and turmoil.
Bangladesh's Interim Leader Faces Challenges Following Sheikh Hasina's Regime
Bangladesh's Interim Leader Faces Challenges Following Sheikh Hasina's Regime
In an exclusive interview, interim leader Muhammad Yunus discusses the tumultuous transition from Sheikh Hasina’s contentious rule and outlines a path towards elections amidst ongoing unrest.
Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, shared insights into his unexpected role after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stating he felt "dazzled" when asked to take charge. Yunus, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, had no prior experience running a government and spoke to the BBC about his attempts to stabilize the nation, emphasizing the urgent need to restore law and order, alongside fixing the "shattered economy."
Hasina is currently in exile in India and faces an arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity. As Yunus prepares for elections that he hopes to hold between December 2025 and March 2026, he noted that it depends on how swiftly his government can implement necessary reforms. He expressed his hopes for a peaceful electoral process in light of the violence that marred Bangladesh last year, which was the worst since the 1971 war of independence.
Despite his optimism, many Dhaka residents remain skeptical, claiming law and order has not yet improved. Yunus attributes many of Bangladesh’s current issues to the prior regime, stating, “We are coming from complete disorder.” He also faced criticism from supporters of Hasina, who have expressed fears for their safety, but he reassured that the justice system is available for them to voice their concerns.
Amid these challenges, Yunus is also contending with the impacts of foreign aid cuts by the Trump administration, emphasizing their potential effect on Bangladesh’s reforms. He expressed confidence in the resilience of the country, stating, "When it happens, we will make do."
As the clock ticks towards the planned elections, Yunus's leadership faces scrutiny, and the road to stability in Bangladesh remains fraught with challenges.
