‘US Supports Calm and Peace’: Blinken Hails Nobel Laureate Yunus As Head Of Bangladesh’s Interim Government

Bangladesh Crisis: Secretary of State Antony Blinken Friday said the United States remains committed to working with Bangladesh as he welcomed the swearing-in of Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government which was sworn-in Thursday after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
“The United States supports his call for calm and peace and remains committed to working with Bangladesh as it charts a democratic and prosperous future for the people in Bangladesh. I welcome the swearing-in of Dr. Muhammad Yunus to lead the interim government in Bangladesh,” Blinken said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, six US lawmakers wrote to the Treasury Secretary for sanctions against officials of the former government responsible for violence against student protestors.
“Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, now leading Bangladesh’s interim government, urgently called on world leaders to end the violence against protestors in Bangladesh. Former Army Chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan urged the government to cease engaging its armed forces in a “disgraceful campaign.” While Hasina has resigned and fled the country, senior leaders of the Awami League have faced no consequences for their gross violations of human rights,” the lawmakers wrote.
“US sanctions on Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion have been successful in decreasing extrajudicial killings, but they are insufficient given current realities. We urge you to respond strongly to the Awami League’s violations by using all applicable authorities to impose targeted sanctions on General Secretary Obaidul Quader and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. US law requires action in the face of gross violations of human rights,’ they wrote to Yellen.
Nobel Laureate Yunus takes charge as head of interim government
On Thursday, Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh and assumed charge as the head of the country’s interim government.
Yunus, 84, took oath at a ceremony in Dhaka on Thursday night, amid massive unrest in the country after weeks of student-led protests forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee to India.
In his address to the nation, Yunus  emphasised bringing about an early return to normalcy and ensuring the protection of the Hindu minority.
A 16-member council of advisers was announced to assist Yunus in running the state’s affairs.
(With PTI inputs)