Following the resignation of Bangladesh’s prime minister amidst violent unrest, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has emerged as a potential caretaker until new elections are announced. Known as the “banker to the poorest of the poor,” Yunus is a longtime critic of the outgoing leader, Sheikh Hasina.
Hasina's resignation came after weeks of protests over a government job quota system, which escalated into a broader challenge to her 15-year rule characterized by economic growth but an increasingly authoritarian approach.
The country is now in a political crisis, with the army temporarily assuming control after the president dissolved Parliament to pave the way for elections. Student leaders, who orchestrated the protests, are advocating for Yunus to lead an interim government.
Yunus, currently in Paris as an adviser to the Olympics organizers, is reportedly open to the idea. The 83-year-old economist and banker gained international acclaim for pioneering microcredit through Grameen Bank, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.
Yunus' relationship with Hasina soured in 2008 when her administration launched investigations into his activities. Despite facing legal challenges, Yunus continues to deny allegations of financial misconduct.
Supporters of Yunus argue that he has been targeted due to his strained ties with Hasina. Born in Chittagong in 1940, Yunus has dedicated his career to empowering impoverished communities through innovative financial solutions.
In a recent development, a court in Bangladesh indicted Yunus and others on embezzlement charges, to which he pleaded not guilty. Despite the legal hurdles, Yunus remains a respected figure both in Bangladesh and globally for his commitment to social and economic development.
