Bangladesh's Interim Leader Addresses Challenges Post-Hasina

In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus speaks about navigating the complexities of his unexpected role after the departure of long-standing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh’s new interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed his surprise at being called to lead the nation after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted. He described feeling "dazzled" by the responsibility and emphasized the urgency of addressing law and order alongside economic recovery. Sheltering fears over political unrest, Yunus acknowledged the darkness of the past and the need for reforms to ensure free and fair elections by late 2025 or early 2026. His remarks come in the wake of violent protests that erupted last summer, resulting in widespread disorder, yet he asserts improvements are noticeable compared to last year. The fate of Hasina’s party remains unpredictable as they weigh participation in the anticipated elections and the interim government grapples with claims of violence against Awami League members amid growing calls for accountability and justice for victims of past governmental actions. Meanwhile, the reduction of US foreign aid looms over the administration, leaving Yunus to navigate the financial implications of these changes. As protests continue, the interim leadership grapples with a divided public sentiment and the complexities of moving forward amidst a turbulent political landscape.