‘Bangladesh Looking For Someone It Can Trust': Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus May Be Open For Top Job

From the blood, anger, and chaos of the quota movement which toppled Sheikh Hasina, a hard question is slowly emerging in Bangladesh: Who or what next?

On Monday, the writer spoke to Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, believed to be one of the frontrunners for the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s post, most likely of a caretaker government. The interview provides a glimpse into the mind of the man who may head Bangladesh in these tumultuous times.

Professor Yunus said the question of whether he will agree to take up the lead role is a “hypothetical one", even as he seemed open to the right kind of offer, with the right conditions. “Depends on what they are talking about. I don’t know the details."

Speaking from Paris, Yunus described the exit of Sheikh Hasina as “the second round of liberation [after 1971]". “The whole country is rejoicing the end of oppression and misrule of Sheikh Hasina. There are millions of young people on the streets. They are rejoicing, just like the way it happened during liberation from Pakistan," he said.

Have Met PM Modi Many Times: Yunus

“In Bangladesh’s case, India was very wrong. It enthusiastically supported the Hasina regime. India is a friend. We are part of the SAARC family. It has to review its Bangladesh policy," he said.

Yunus said he had no problem with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“I have met him many times. We had good discussions. He admires the work that I do. He invited me to speak to his officials, his ministers many times. Personally, we share a very warm relationship," he said.

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