Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus sworn in as head of Bangladesh's interim govt

Srinagar, Aug 08: Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus on Thursday sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government, reports said.

The 84-year-old took oath in capital Dhaka after massive student-led protests against the inequal quotas which turned intense after government forces of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina killed hundreds of people, resulting in dethroning of Hasina, who fled the country and is sheltered in neighbouring India.

“I will uphold, support and protect the constitution,” Yunus said during the ceremony, adding that he would perform his duties sincerely.

Restoring peace and preparing ground for new elections are important tasks for Yunus now.

Bangladesh’s figurehead President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Yunus for his role as chief advisor, which is the equivalent to a prime minister, in presence of foreign diplomats, civil society members, top businessmen and members of the former opposition party at the presidential palace in Dhaka.

No representatives of Hasina’s party were present, reports said.

The interim cabinet consists of sixteen other people, drawn mainly from civil society and two student protest leaders.