Bangladesh’s interim government is set to be sworn in today

A new interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is scheduled to be sworn in this evening at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office to the new administration, according to Bangabhaban sources reported by the Dhaka Tribune. Dr. Yunus will serve as the chief adviser of the interim government, a role equivalent to that of a Prime Minister, with other advisers holding positions similar to ministers.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that the oath-taking ceremony will commence at 8 pm. He indicated that the interim government might initially consist of about 15 members, with the possibility of adding one or two more individuals later.

This marks the end of 17 years of Awami League rule, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst widespread unrest. The formation of the interim government comes in response to the upheaval caused by recent protests and Hasina’s departure. The decision to establish the interim administration was made after consultations involving political party leaders, civil society figures, and students, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.

The interim government’s formation was decided during a lengthy meeting at Bangabhaban, attended by the chiefs of the three armed forces, two professors from Dhaka University, and leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. During this meeting, student representatives proposed Dr. Yunus as the head of the interim government, a suggestion that was endorsed by President Shahabuddin.