Muhammad Yunus Pitched to Lead Interim Bangladesh Government
TimeAug 08
Bangladesh: Yunus Sworn in as Head of Interim Government
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Above: Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus (C) speaks during a press conference upon his arrival at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Aug. 8, 2024, in Dhaka. Image copyright: Sultan Mahmud Mukut/Drik/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Muhammad Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist, was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government on Thursday night during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Dhaka.
His cabinet advisers include student leaders Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, prominent human rights activist Adilur Rahman Khan, and former foreign secretary Touhid Hossain.
The Spin
Narrative A
Yunus symbolizes hope in a nation yearning for peace and stability. He is committed to reforming Bangladesh's constitution to prevent dictatorship and maintaining an independent judiciary. As it navigates complex international relations, Yunus' administration must foster cooperation with global powers while securing lasting peace.
Narrative B
Though the West describes him as the "banker to the poor," Yunus is, in essence, an enemy of the poor. His silence on human rights abuses under Hasina's regime contrasts with his stance after their ties soured. It remains to be seen if he genuinely cares for his country or is just an opportunist.
