DHAKA: Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has resigned as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, stepping down after 18 months at the helm and paving the way for a newly elected administration to take charge . The 85-year-old made the announcement in a farewell address to the nation on Monday, formally bringing an end to the political transition period that followed the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024 .
In his televised speech, Yunus confirmed that the interim government was dissolving to make way for the new parliament. “Today, the interim government is stepping down,” he stated. He expressed his hope that the democratic process, freedom of expression, and fundamental rights would continue to flourish in the country .
The development comes after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a landslide victory in the general elections held last week, winning a two-thirds majority in parliament . Yunus extended his congratulations to the BNP and its leader, Tarique Rahman, praising the conduct of the election. “The people, voters, and political parties have set an example in the elections, which will strengthen the democratic process in the future,” Yunus said, adding that the poll has set a benchmark for future elections in the nation .
Yunus, who returned from exile to lead the caretaker administration after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, described the moment as a “great liberation” for the country . During his tenure, the interim government oversaw the country’s political transition and the historic referendum on constitutional reforms, known as the “July Charter” .
The newly elected lawmakers are scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday, after which Tarique Rahman is set to become the next prime minister of the South Asian nation of 170 million people
