Bangladesh’s presidential office has named Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the head of the interim government. Long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stepped down amid massive student-led uprisings.
Tuesday’s emergency talks on picking a temporary leader were attended by the president, military chiefs, opposition parties and student protest leaders.
Yunus was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for his work providing small loans to people in poor, rural communities. Sources say he is expected to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday from France.
Hasina fled the country on Monday, amid a violent crackdown on protests that left hundreds dead. The protests began in July, initially over a quota system for government jobs, but evolved.
Local media say even after Hasina’s resignation the security situation remains unstable. Arson has been reported at a building with ties to the ruling Awami League, and Hindu temples have been destroyed.
An election is expected soon after the interim government is launched. All eyes are on whether there can be a peaceful transition of power.