**The article explores Yunus's vision for Bangladesh, the lingering effects of Hasina's regime, and the uncertain landscape ahead.**
**Bangladesh's Interim Leader Describes Challenges in Wake of Sheikh Hasina's Departure**
**Bangladesh's Interim Leader Describes Challenges in Wake of Sheikh Hasina's Departure**
**Muhammad Yunus reflects on current governance and economic hurdles amid ongoing political tension.**
Bangladesh is navigating a tumultuous political landscape following the ousting of long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with interim leader Muhammad Yunus likening the aftermath to "picking up the pieces" after a terrible tornado. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Yunus described his surprise in being appointed, saying, "I had no idea I'd be leading the government." As a Nobel Prize-winning economist, he emphasized the need to restore law and order and revitalize a "shattered" economy.
Uncertainty looms over the potential participation of Hasina and her party, the Awami League, in the elections Yunus plans to hold between December 2025 and March 2026. Hasina, who is currently exiled in India and wanted for alleged crimes against humanity, has led a regime that faced numerous accusations of human rights violations and suppression of dissent. Yunus stated, "The election commission decides who participates in the election," leaving it to the Awami League to decide its course of action.
Reflecting on the unrest that led to Hasina's departure in August, Yunus highlighted the violent protests that plagued the nation, stating, "We are coming from complete disorder." Despite months of tensions, residents of Dhaka remain skeptical about the improvements in law and order under the interim government. Although Yunus acknowledged some progress compared to last year, he warned that peace and stability remain relative concepts.
The dissatisfaction with Hasina's regime continues to galvanize public sentiment. Thousands of protesters have recently taken to the streets, demanding accountability for the violent crackdown on dissenters. An arrest warrant has been issued for Hasina in Bangladesh, but India's response remains unclear. Yunus's administration has faced critique concerning the safety of Awami League members, as recent incidents of vandalism against their properties raised alarms.
"We have a court, law, and police," Yunus asserted when addressing claims of insecurity for the Awami League, pushing back against the notion that citizens should solely rely on media outlets for grievances.
External pressures also pose significant challenges for the new government. Following the Trump administration's cuts to foreign aid, Yunus acknowledged the difficult path ahead but expressed confidence in handling the implications, stating, "When it happens, we will make do."
In a nation where political strife has deep roots, Yunus's leadership marks a pivotal moment where reforms and stability hang in the balance. As Bangladesh's future unfolds, the echoes of past governance continue to influence the journey ahead.
