Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his best wishes to Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus on Thursday as Yunus assumed his new role as head of an interim government in Bangladesh. Modi conveyed on X his hope for a swift return to normalcy, emphasising the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh. He reiterated India’s commitment to collaborating with Bangladesh to achieve peace, security, and development for their peoples.
Muhammad Yunus, aged 84, took the oath of office administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban presidential palace in Dhaka. The ceremony saw the attendance of foreign diplomats, civil society representatives, top business figures, and former opposition members. Notably, no members from the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party were present.
Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday following substantial protests against her administration’s controversial job quota system. These protests, initially focused on the quota policy, grew into a significant challenge to Hasina’s 15-year rule, which has been plagued by allegations of corruption, autocracy, and human rights violations.
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 8, 2024
Yunus, who was in Paris for the 2024 Olympics when his appointment was confirmed, returned to Dhaka under heavy security. Upon his arrival, he vowed to prioritise restoring order and uniting the nation, stating, “Bangladesh is a family. We have to unite it.”
The interim cabinet, composed of 16 members mainly from civil society and student protest leaders, was formed after discussions among student leaders, civil society figures, and the military. This new administration’s key responsibilities include preparing for upcoming elections and tackling the country’s pressing issues.