Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has described the recent student-led uprising as Bangladesh’s “second independence,” stressing the importance of safeguarding this newly gained freedom. Speaking at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from France on Thursday, Dr. Yunus expressed deep gratitude to those who led the movement, crediting them with the nation’s “rebirth.”
“With this new victory, Bangladesh has inaugurated a new Victory Day,” Dr. Yunus stated. “We must continue to move forward, and we owe our thanks to those who made this possible; they have protected and revived the nation.”
Overcome with emotion, Dr. Yunus recalled the memory of Abu Sayeed, a student from Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur who was killed in the unrest. “Today, I am reminded of Abu Sayeed, a brave young man who is forever in the hearts of our people. Through his sacrifice, our country has witnessed its second independence,” he said, his voice breaking.
Dr. Yunus emphasized that his immediate priority upon returning to Bangladesh is to ensure law and order. He urged for no violence against any individuals, assuring, “Trust me, there will be no attacks on anyone in the country.”
He further highlighted the need to protect this newfound independence, stating that its benefits must reach every citizen. “Independence means the country is in your hands—you can shape it, change it, and remove the old. Use your creativity,” he urged.
Dr. Yunus also criticized the recently deposed government, accusing it of becoming a tool of oppression. “A government should bring joy to its people, it should protect them. Our entire nation is one family,” he said.
Addressing the ongoing unrest, Dr. Yunus condemned the violence against minorities and called for unity. “It is our responsibility to protect every individual. Disorder is the greatest enemy of progress. Our first task is to restore law and order,” he concluded.
Dr. Yunus Assures No Attacks on Anyone in the Country, Calls for Trust
Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in a peaceful message to the nation, has assured that there will be no attacks on anyone in Bangladesh. Upon returning to the country on Thursday, he urged the citizens to have faith and trust in him.
Dr. Yunus emphasized, “We must protect this independence and ensure its benefits reach every person. Independence means the country is in your hands—you can shape it, bring change, and create something new by discarding the old. Utilize the creativity within you.”
Critiquing the government, he stated, “The government has transformed into a tool of oppression, which is unacceptable. People should become agitated upon seeing such a government. We need a government that protects the people. The whole of Bangladesh is one family.”
Expressing concern over the current situation in the country, Dr. Yunus said, “People are attacking each other, targeting minorities. It is our duty to protect everyone. Every person is our brother. Disorder is the biggest obstacle to progress. Our first task is to uphold law and order.”
Dr. Yunus Returns to Dhaka
Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh from Paris earlier today, arriving at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 2:10 PM. In anticipation of his return, preparations have been made for the swearing-in ceremony of the interim government at the Bangabhaban, scheduled for 8 PM tonight.
Dr. Yunus was welcomed at the airport by the chiefs of the three armed forces, as well as key coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, including Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, Sarjis Alam, and Hasnat Abdullah. Also present to greet him were Professor Asif Nazrul from the University of Dhaka’s Law Department, Sharmin Murshid, CEO of Brac, and other civil society representatives.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman indicated that the interim government might consist of around 15 members. However, the names of those who will be part of this government have not yet been disclosed, leading to much speculation in political circles. Another topic of discussion is the duration of this interim government’s term.
It has been reported that the anti-discrimination student movement has prepared a list of 15 potential members for the interim government. This list is expected to be finalized after discussions with Dr. Yunus following his return.
