Yunus urges Bangladeshis to 'get ready to build the country'

Nobel laureate set to lead caretaker govt, wants to hold elections within a few months

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DHAKA-Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus, who is set to lead a caretaker government after mass protests ousted the premier, called on compatriots on Aug 7 to be "ready to build the country", ahead of his hugely anticipated return.

The Nobel-winning microfinance pioneer will head the interim government after long-time and autocratic prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India, the presidency has said.

"Be calm and get ready to build the country," Dr Yunus said in a statement on Aug 7, a day ahead of his expected return to the country from France, urging calm after weeks of violence in which at least 455 people were killed.

"If we take the path of violence everything will be destroyed," he added.

The appointment came quickly after student leaders called on the 84-year-old Yunus - credited with lifting millions out of poverty in the South Asian country - to lead.

The decision was made in a meeting with President Mohammed Shahabuddin, the heads of the army, navy and air force, and student leaders, the president's office said in a statement.

Army chief General Waker-UzZaman said on Aug 7 that he hoped to swear in the interim government the following day and that he backed Dr Yunus.

"I am certain that he will be able to take us through a beautiful democratic process and that we will benefit from this," Gen Zaman said in a televised address.

Dr Yunus will have the title of chief adviser, according to Mr Nahid Islam, one of the leaders of Students Against Discrimination who participated in the meeting.