Nobel winner Yunus says ready to head Bangladesh 'interim government'
Asia
By
AFP
| Aug 07, 2024
Nobel winner Muhammad Yunus said on Tuesday he was ready to head an interim government in Bangladesh after mass demonstrations forced longtime ruler Sheikh Hasina to flee the country.
"I am honoured by the trust of the protesters who wish for me to lead the interim government," he said in a written statement to AFP.
"If action is needed in Bangladesh, for my country and for the courage of my people, then I will take it," the 84-year-old Nobel-winning microfinance pioneer said, also calling for "free elections."
READ MORE
Madagascar tycoon to buy Zuku parent firm Wananchi Group
Real estate posts high productivity as challenges hit wholesale, retail sectors
Gold rush: How illegal gallbladder trade threatens Lake Victoria fishers
How container cash deposits are creating a problem for Kenyan traders
Agencies in fresh plan to market Kenyan coffee
AI-driven smart borders transform travel security
Fresh test for Ruto as IMF urges new tax policies to unlock loans
Kenya's nuclear power plan faces significant cost hurdles
Healthcare and business: Diana Okello's journey in aviation medicine niche
How access to credit is boosting tech adoption, earnings for SMEs
"The interim government is only the beginning," he said.
"Lasting peace will only come with free elections. Without elections, there will be no change."
Yunus, known as the "banker to the poorest of the poor", was awarded the Peace Prize in 2006 for his work loaning small cash sums to rural women, allowing them to invest in farm tools or business equipment and boost their earnings.
Earlier Tuesday, student leaders in Bangladesh demanded that Yunus lead a caretaker government, a day after the military took control as demonstrations forced Hasina to flee the country.
Hasina, 76, had been in power since 2009 but was accused of rigging elections in January and then watched millions of people take to the streets over the past month demanding she quit.
Hundreds of people were killed as security forces sought to quell the unrest but the protests grew and Hasina finally fled aboard a helicopter on Monday after the military turned against her.
"Youth have voiced their need for change in our country," Yunus said.
"The Prime Minister heard them by leaving the country. This was a very important first step taken yesterday.
"The courage of this youth is boundless," he added.
"They have made Bangladesh proud and shown the world our nation's determination against injustice."
Speaking separately to French daily Le Figaro earlier, Yunus said he wanted to stay "out of politics", but could lead the government if circumstances "require it".
- Mc Zaku: Self-styled critic rattling Kikuyu entertainment scene as he exposes shameless plagiarism
- All eyes on Kenyan MPs as protesters return to streets over tax hikes
- How Okiya Omtatah cheated death at a Kisumu blackspot
- Three people dead, over 200 injured after Embakasi gas explosion
- Hustler Fund disbursement hits Sh41 billion