“This is our beautiful country,” said Muhammad Yunus
Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus, who will lead an interim government after the prime minister is ousted, called for calm and urged people to seize the opportunity to build a better country.
“I urge everyone to remain calm. Please refrain from all forms of violence,” the Nobel Prize-winning microfinance pioneer said in a statement, a day before his expected return to the country from Europe.
“Be calm and prepare to build the country. If we take the path of violence, everything will be destroyed.”
The 84-year-old will lead an interim government after mass protests forced long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee, the presidency has announced.
“This is our beautiful country with many exciting opportunities,” he added.
“We must protect it and make it a beautiful country for ourselves and for future generations.”
Hasina fled by helicopter on Monday after more than a month of student-led protests that began as a campaign against quotas for civil service jobs but escalated into demands for the leader to step down.
“I congratulate the brave students who took the lead in making our Second Victory Day possible, and to the people for their full support,” Yunus added.
“Let's make the most of our new victory. Let's not let this slip away because of our mistakes.”
He has said he wants to hold elections “within a few months.”
In January, he and three colleagues from one of the companies he founded were sentenced to six months in prison by a Dhaka labor court. However, they were immediately released on bail pending their appeal. The court ruled that they had unlawfully failed to set up a workers' welfare fund.
All four denied the charges and because the courts were accused of approving Hasina's government's decisions, the case was criticised by watchdogs including Amnesty International as politically motivated.
Yunus later travelled abroad but is expected to arrive in Dhaka from Europe early Thursday afternoon.
Senior political leader Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the former opposition Bangladesh National Party, addressed a large group of supporters in Dhaka via video broadcast.
Rahman, who went into exile in London during Hasina's rule, urged that elections be held quickly.
“The vote should take place as soon as possible,” said Rahman, who also urged calm.
Since Hasina fled, police have reported that gangs have been carrying out revenge attacks on her allies.
“Don't take laws into your own hands,” he told BNP supporters.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Our staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
