Staff Reporter / New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated and extended his best wishes to Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus on his new role as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government. Modi emphasized the importance of an early return to stability and the protection of minority communities, including Hindus.
In a post on X, Modi said, “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.”
Yunus, an 84-year-old economist and founder of Grameen Bank, assumed office as the head of the interim government following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina stepped down amid escalating student-led protests, which initially began as demands to end the quota system for government jobs but have since evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.
Yunus took the oath of office at a ceremony in Dhaka on Thursday night, amidst ongoing unrest in the country. The oath was administered by Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the presidential palace, in the presence of foreign diplomats, civil society members, top businessmen, and members of the former opposition party. Notably, no representatives from Hasina’s party, the Awami League, were in attendance.
Upon his arrival in Dhaka earlier in the day, Yunus addressed a press briefing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, urging calm and calling on the people of Bangladesh to avoid violence. “If you have faith in me and trust me, then ensure that there will be no attack anywhere in the country. This is our first responsibility,” Yunus said. He emphasized that while Bangladesh has great potential, the immediate priority is to restore order and follow the “path shown by students.”
Yunus’s primary tasks will now involve restoring peace and preparing the nation for new elections.