Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Nahid Islam, the coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, has proposed Nobel laureate economist Professor Muhammad Yunus as the chief advisor of the interim government that is expected to be formed.
In a video message released on Facebook early Tuesday morning, Mr. Islam, one of the coordinators of the movement, put forward Professor Yunus’s name for the position of chief advisor.
At that time, coordinators Asif Mahmud and Abu Bakar Majumdar were also present.
“We have decided to form the interim government with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a globally renowned Nobel laureate, as the chief advisor,” Mr. Islam said in the video message.
He called on the President to form this government promptly.
Mr. Islam also mentioned that they have already discussed the role of chief advisor with Professor Yunus.
“We have talked to Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He has agreed to take on this crucial responsibility to protect Bangladesh at the request of the students and the people,” said Nahid Islam.
The anti-discrimination student movement also stated that the names of the remaining members of the advisory council will be announced soon.
It is noteworthy that recently Professor Muhammad Yunus called on the United Nations and global leaders to take action to stop violence against quota reform protesters.
He also demanded an investigation into the murders that occurred in connection with the movement.
Reacting to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid public outrage on Monday, Professor Yunus commented that “Bangladesh is free.”
In an interview with the Indian media outlet The Print, he said that people across the country are celebrating as if they have gained a second independence.
“We want to start anew and build a beautiful country for ourselves. This is the promise we want to make. Our future will be led by students and the youth,” Professor Yunus told The Print.
However, he stated that he would not be joining active politics.
“I am not a person suited to get involved in politics,” Professor Yunus said.
