As Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of Sheikh Hasina's government, new leader Muhammad Yunus aims to restore peace and order while tackling economic struggles.
**Bangladesh's Interim Leader Reflects on Challenges Post-Hasina's Regime**
**Bangladesh's Interim Leader Reflects on Challenges Post-Hasina's Regime**
Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus discusses the turbulent transition and plans for reform ahead of upcoming elections.
Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has expressed his astonishment at suddenly leading the country following the ousting of long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile. "I felt dazzled when asked to take charge; I had never run a government machine before," Yunus told the BBC, speaking from his residence in Dhaka. He emphasized his commitment to restoring law and order as well as mending the economy, which he described as "shattered" and likened to "a terrible tornado for 16 years."
Sheikh Hasina, who ruled with an authoritarian grip since her election in 2009, has been accused of severe human rights violations and suppressing dissent. An arrest warrant has been issued for her following protests that led to her departure last August. Yunus plans to hold elections between late 2025 and early 2026, contingent on implementing necessary reforms for fair voting.
The political climate remains tense, as violence erupted last summer during protests, marking the worst unrest since Bangladesh's independence in 1971. Yunus noted the ongoing challenges his government faces, admitting that despite some improvements, "better is a relative term" and much work remains to be done.
The situation is further complicated by the anger from victims of Hasina's regime, many of whom demand accountability for the crackdown on protests. Tensions between the interim government and the Awami League, Hasina's party, are significant, highlighted by recent violence targeting the homes of Awami League members.
Despite claims of unsafe conditions for his opponents, Yunus urged them to file complaints through legal channels, emphasizing the existence of law and order in the country. He also faced questions about the impact of the U.S. decision to cut foreign aid, acknowledging that it might benefit their anti-corruption efforts, which have previously lagged.
As Bangladesh navigates through this challenging transition, Yunus holds the precarious task of leading a nation yearning for stability and justice.
