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 ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/world/article/2001500380/bangladesh-president-dissolves-parliament">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
Battle royale experienced at Interbank Golf event
Cheche: We have a big task at the World Cup next month
KCB's Karan Patel focused on clinching Burundi Rally
Africa Paves the Way for a Greener Future: Global Conference Highlights Ecosystem Revitalisation
Media urged to go digital to tap shifting consumer trends
Jail term, hefty fine for pastors with unregistered churches
Ambitious Awuor eager to leave a mark on her World Cup debut
Experts warn of bureaucratic hurdles in new movable property bill
Kenya Navy golfer Mochanga overcomes all odds to take command at Sea-Link Mombasa Course
"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, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/world/article/2001500318/protesters-storm-bangladesh-pms-palace-after-she-flees">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 ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001499222/bangladesh-wakes-to-torched-government-buildings-internet-blackout?utm_cmp_rs=amp-next-page">heard them by leaving "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".
Diaz fires Liverpool top of Premier League, Man Utd held at Palace
Chelsea continued their positive start under Enzo Maresca.
Gor Mahia knocked out of CAF Champions League after 6-0 drubbing
K’Ogalo lost 3-0 home and away to bow out on 6-0 aggregate defeat.
Jackson double fires Chelsea to victory at woeful West Ham
Chelsea pick a 3-0 win over West Ham.
FKF-PL: AFC Leopards dance their way to second in the standings
Sydney Lokale scored the winner as Ingwe clawed Bidco United 1-0.
Relegation battle intensify as NPCA Super League enters penultimate stage
The team which finishes last will be demoted to the second tier Division One competition.