Muhammad Yunus returns to NGO work after serving as Bangladesh's interim chief for 18 months

Muhammad Yunus

• Muhammad Yunus returns to Yunus Centre after 18 months as adviser
• Yunus led Bangladesh's interim government until February 16
• Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh's 11th prime minister

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Muhammad Yunus returned to his non-profit organisation work on Sunday, days after he stepped down from the role as chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government. The Nobel laureate held the position for 18 about months, shortly after a student-led violent street protest toppled the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.

Yunus stepped down from his position as chief adviser on February 16 after a newly elected government was formed. He had taken charge of the interim administration on August 8, 2024.

As he arrived at the Yunus Centre office in Mirpur on Sunday morning, the 85-year-old was greeted by his longtime collegues. “A warm welcome to Professor Muhammad Yunus as he returned to his former duties on Sunday, following an 18-month hiatus during which he led Bangladesh’s Interim Government," read a Facebook post from the organisation.

Resuming his duties, Yunus met the managing directors and advisers from Yunus Centre as well as with Grameen organisations. Additionally, he is also set to resume living at his home in Gulshan, Dhaka, by the end of the month.

After he stepped down as Bangladesh’s interim leader last week, Yunus said, “Today, the interim government is stepping down. But let the practice of democracy, freedom of speech, and fundamental rights that has begun not be halted."

Reflecting on the uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s government, he added, “That was the day of great liberation. What a day of joy it was. Bangladeshis across the world shed tears of happiness. The youth of our country freed it from the grip of a demon."

Tarique Rahman, 60, was sworn in as the 11th prime minister after leading his party to a forceful victory in the 13th parliamentary polls held on February 12. He replaced interim government led by Yunus.

Rahman, the son of late President Ziaur Rahman and former premier Khaleda Zia, returned home in December after living in London in self-exile for 17 years.