Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus on Monday stepped down as Bangladesh’s interim leader, urging the country to protect democratic freedoms as he handed power to a newly elected government.
In a farewell broadcast
to the nation, the 85-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner said, “Today, the interim government is stepping down. But let the practice of democracy, freedom of speech, and fundamental rights that has begun not be halted.”
Yunus returned from self-imposed exile in August 2024 after the government of Sheikh Hasina was overthrown in a student-led uprising. Hasina fled to India, and Yunus took charge as chief adviser during a turbulent political transition.
Reflecting on that time, he called it as “a day of great liberation” for Bangladesh.
“What a day of joy it was! Bangladeshis across the world shed tears of happiness. The youth of our country freed it from the grip of a demon,” Yunus said.
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Tarique Rahman To Take Charge After Massive Win
The 85-year-old Nobel Laureate now hands over power following a landslide victory by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in last week’s elections.
Congratulating BNP leader Tarique Rahman on the decisive win, Yunus said, “The people, voters, political parties, and stakeholder institutions linked to the election have set a commendable example. This election has set a benchmark for future elections.”
Rahman, 60, chief of the BNP and member of one of the country’s most powerful political families, will lead the South Asian nation of 170 million people.
The BNP alliance won 212 seats, compared with 77 for the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, according to the country’s Election Commission. Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman conceded defeat and pledged to serve as a peaceful opposition.
Newly elected lawmakers are expected to be sworn in on Tuesday, after which Rahman is set to become prime minister.
(With inputs from AFP)
