Dhaka, Bangladesh — Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus arrived in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon, signaling a dramatic shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer touched down from Paris via Dubai, and is poised to be sworn in as the country’s new interim leader later today.
Yunus’ return comes in the wake of a student-led uprising that culminated in the ouster of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has fled to India. The military’s decision to back the protests marked a significant reversal, with General Wakeruz Zaman endorsing Yunus and pledging a “beautiful democratic process” under military oversight.
The transition follows weeks of escalating unrest, initially sparked by controversy over government job quotas. The protests, which eventually demanded Hasina’s resignation, have claimed at least 455 lives according to an AFP tally. The military’s intervention over the weekend and its subsequent actions — including dissolving parliament and dismissing the police chief — were pivotal in Hasina’s removal.
Yunus, known globally for his pioneering work in microfinance, has expressed his commitment to organizing elections within a few months. He arrives at a time of national upheaval but also of great hope. “I expect that a national government will be formed with everyone’s consent in a beautiful way,” said one protester, reflecting widespread optimism for the new leadership.
The events of the past month have been described by observers as a “seismic moment” in Bangladesh’s history, marking an end to Hasina’s 15-year rule and opening a new chapter in the country’s democratic journey.
