Seize opportunity of reform, Yunus tells Bangladeshis

'The trust of the people... as expressed by the mass uprising for addressing the political and constitutional crisis in Bangladesh is justified, legitimate and internationally recognised'

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Bangladesh's interim leader on Tuesday marked the one year anniversary since the overthrow of the regime of Sheikh Hasina by calling for people to seize the “opportunity” of reform.

But Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, the 85-year-old who is leading the caretaker government as its chief adviser until elections are held, also warned against those he said sought to roll back gains made.

“Today marks an unforgettable chapter in the history of Bangladesh,” Yunus said, marking a day he said had led to “liberating our beloved nation from the grip of longstanding fascist rule.”

The South Asian nation of around 170 million people has been in political turmoil since a student-led revolt ousted then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Aug.5, 2024, ending her 15-year rule.

Yunus later addressed crowds of thousands outside parliament, standing in the rain, issuing a “proclamation” alongside leaders of key political parties a document to be added to the country’s constitution.

“The trust of the people... as expressed by the mass uprising for addressing the political and constitutional crisis in Bangladesh is justified, legitimate and internationally recognised,” he read from the document.