Muhammad Yunus Takes Charge Amid Turmoil in Bangladesh

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Yunus's primary task is to restore peace and prepare for new elections in a country grappling with instability and violence.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took the helm of Bangladesh's interim government on Thursday after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted following weeks of escalating protests.

Yunus was administered the oath by figurehead President Mohammed Shahabuddin amidst high-profile attendees including diplomats and civil society members. The interim Cabinet, mainly comprising civil society members and student protest leaders, is set to navigate the country through this turbulent period.

Hasina resigned and fled to India after the protests, initially against job quotas, turned into a broader movement against her regime. With over 300 people killed in the violence, Yunus has called for calm and unity in his first remarks upon taking office. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed hope for a swift return to normalcy.

(With inputs from agencies.)