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Bangladesh Shaken: Yunus Takes Interim Leadership After Hasina Ousted

Bangladesh's Political Upheaval: From Hasina's Fall to Yunus's Interim Leadership

DHAKA, Bangladesh — In a dramatic turn of events that has reshaped Bangladesh's political landscape, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has stepped into the role of interim leader following the ousting of longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This transition comes amid widespread protests, a student-led uprising, and the release of key opposition figures, signaling a potential shift in the country's governance after years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's Awami League.

The unrest began escalating in July, triggered by student demonstrations against a controversial quota system for government jobs that favored descendants of independence war veterans. What started as peaceful protests quickly morphed into a broader anti-government movement, fueled by grievances over unemployment, corruption, and political repression. The government's heavy-handed response, including internet blackouts, curfews, and the deployment of security forces, only intensified the chaos. By early August, the death toll from clashes between protesters and police had surpassed 300, with thousands injured. The tipping point came when Hasina, who had ruled for 15 consecutive years, fled the country by helicopter to India, seeking asylum as protesters stormed her official residence and other symbols of her power.

In the vacuum left by Hasina's departure, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament and appointed Yunus, an 84-year-old economist renowned for his microfinance work through the Grameen Bank, to head a caretaker government. Yunus, who returned from Paris where he had been living in self-exile due to legal battles with the Hasina administration, has pledged to restore stability and pave the way for free and fair elections. His appointment was backed by the military, student leaders, and opposition parties, marking a rare consensus in Bangladesh's polarized politics. Yunus has emphasized that his role is temporary, focusing on reforms to address the root causes of the uprising, including judicial independence, electoral transparency, and economic recovery.

One of the most significant developments in this transitional phase has been the release of Khaleda Zia, the 78-year-old leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Hasina's longtime rival. Zia, who served as prime minister twice in the 1990s and early 2000s, had been under house arrest and in poor health, convicted on graft charges that her supporters claim were politically motivated. Her release, ordered by the president shortly after Hasina's exit, has invigorated the BNP, which boycotted recent elections under Hasina, alleging voter suppression and rigging. Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, who leads the party from exile in London, has called for unity among opposition forces to rebuild the nation. The BNP's resurgence could play a pivotal role in upcoming polls, potentially challenging the remnants of Hasina's Awami League.

Adding another layer to the complex political mosaic is the involvement of Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh's largest Islamist party. Banned from contesting elections since 2013 due to its opposition to the country's secular constitution, Jamaat has seen a revival in the post-Hasina era. Several of its leaders, imprisoned on charges related to war crimes from the 1971 independence war, have been freed, including figures like Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, whose death sentence was commuted earlier. Jamaat activists participated actively in the anti-Hasina protests, aligning with students and other opposition groups. This alliance has raised concerns about the potential Islamization of politics in a country where secularism has been a cornerstone since independence. However, Jamaat leaders have downplayed such fears, insisting their focus is on democratic reforms and justice for political prisoners.

The student leaders who spearheaded the uprising have emerged as unlikely kingmakers in this new era. Groups like the Students Against Discrimination, formed in response to the job quota issue, have demanded a say in the interim government. They have pushed for the inclusion of young voices in Yunus's advisory council, which comprises civil society figures, business leaders, and academics. Protesters have also targeted symbols of Hasina's rule, vandalizing statues of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, in acts that reflect deep-seated resentment against what many view as a cult of personality. The military, under Chief of Army Staff Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman, has played a stabilizing role, endorsing Yunus and urging calm while promising not to interfere in politics—a stance that contrasts with Bangladesh's history of military coups.

Economically, the transition poses significant challenges for Bangladesh, a nation of 170 million people heavily reliant on garment exports, which account for over 80% of its foreign earnings. The protests disrupted supply chains, leading to factory closures and concerns from international buyers. Yunus, drawing on his experience in poverty alleviation, has reassured global partners that the interim government will prioritize economic stability. He has met with garment industry leaders to address worker safety and wage issues, which were flashpoints during the unrest. Additionally, the Rohingya refugee crisis remains a pressing concern. Bangladesh hosts over a million Rohingya Muslims who fled persecution in Myanmar in 2017. Hasina's government had been criticized for its handling of the camps in Cox's Bazar, where conditions are dire. Yunus has committed to continuing humanitarian aid and seeking international support for repatriation, emphasizing that the refugees should not become pawns in domestic politics.

The fall of Hasina has also exposed the extent of alleged human rights abuses under her rule. Reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch detail enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of dissent. The interim government has initiated investigations into these claims, with Yunus vowing accountability. Former officials from the Awami League, including Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed, have gone into hiding or exile, while party offices have been attacked by mobs. This atmosphere of retribution has prompted calls for reconciliation to prevent a cycle of vengeance.

Internationally, the developments have drawn mixed reactions. India, a close ally of Hasina, has expressed concerns over border security and the potential rise of anti-India sentiments, given historical tensions. The United States and European Union have welcomed the transition, urging respect for democratic norms and human rights. China, a major investor in Bangladesh's infrastructure, has adopted a wait-and-see approach, protecting its economic interests.

As Bangladesh navigates this uncertain path, the key question is whether Yunus's interim administration can deliver on promises of reform without descending into further instability. The coalition of students, opposition parties, and civil society must balance immediate demands for justice with long-term institution-building. Elections, potentially within months, will test the resilience of this new order. For many Bangladeshis, weary of decades of dynastic politics between the Hasina and Zia families, this moment represents a rare opportunity for genuine change. Yet, the shadows of past divisions—sectarian, ideological, and personal—loom large, reminding all that the road to stability is fraught with challenges.

Yunus, in his public addresses, has invoked the spirit of the 1971 liberation war, calling for a "second independence" through unity and reform. "We have won a great victory," he said, "but now we must build a Bangladesh where no one is left behind." Whether this vision materializes will depend on the collective will of a nation emerging from turmoil, determined to redefine its future. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining if the uprising leads to a more inclusive democracy or risks unraveling into factionalism. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Associated Press Article at:
[ https://apnews.com/article/bangladesh-yunus-hasina-zia-politics-uprising-jamaat-f68cacfad0cfd31e33cccb497a564228 ]