Politics Interim government in Bangladesh: Nobel laureate returns

Following the resignation of authoritarian Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus will return to the South Asian country to lead a transitional government.

The 84-year-old inventor of microcredit is expected to arrive in the capital Dhaka on Thursday afternoon (local time), the Yunus Center announced. He was last seen in Europe.

The swearing-in ceremony of the interim government headed by Yunus is expected to take place on Thursday evening (local time), said army chief Waker-uz-Zaman at a press conference.

Before his return, Yunus called on the people of the country to remain calm. "Let us make the most of our new victory," Yunus said, according to a statement. "Our youth are ready to take this leadership and create a new world. Let us not miss the opportunity through senseless violence."

Former long-time and increasingly authoritarian Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country by military helicopter and resigned on Monday after weeks of mass protests and deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. According to local media, more than 300 people died in the protests.

Hasina's political rival Khaleda Zia held a large demonstration in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday. Local media reported that thousands of people were present and that Zia had joined in via video message. She was only released after Hasina's escape after years under house arrest - just days before her 79th birthday. Zia was initially sent to prison in 2018 following allegations of embezzling funds intended for orphans. She was later placed under house arrest.