'New Dawn' in Bangladesh? Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus Sworn In as PM After Student Protests

We go to Dhaka for an update as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus is sworn in to lead Bangladesh’s caretaker government just days after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned and fled the country amid a wave of student-led protests over inequality and corruption. Yunus is known as the “banker to the poor” and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work developing microloans that helped lift millions out of poverty. Yunus thanked Bangladeshi youth for giving the country a “rebirth” and vowed to work for the public good.

“This is uncharted territory,” says Shahidul Alam, an acclaimed Bangladeshi photojournalist, author and social activist, who has spent decades documenting human rights abuses and political and social movements in the country. Alam was jailed in 2018 for his criticism of the government and spent 107 behind bars, during which time he says he was tortured by the authorities. “This repression has taken such a toll on so many people for so long, the nation is just hugely relieved.”

We also speak with Nusrat Chowdhury, an associate professor of anthropology at Amherst College and author of Paradoxes of the Popular: Crowd Politics in Bangladesh. She says it’s very significant that student leaders are being brought into the new government and says Yunus is a rare public figure in Bangladesh who exists “beyond party politics” and has the chance to unify the country.

[longshank]

Had a friend from Bangladesh He was such a wonderful person. His widow is a good friend now. I miss him

[rjentertainment]

He is the right person for current situation

[Munthasir]

Cabinet filled with student and professor activists, brilliant economists, human and minority rights activists, former social workers who worked to empower the poor, former military general who helped bring back democracy in Bangladesh, representation from male, female, member of different religious communities, indigenous groups.

All lead by a Nobel peace prize winner! This is a dream team Bangladesh assembled ❤️

[nasreenmomen]

The level of patriotism of Bangladeshi students and people is at the epic level. 🎉🎉🎉

[aap]

Congratulations to Mohammad Yunus and the Bangladeshi.

[jodikulsum]

Hasina government in 15 years had totally corrupted Bangladeshi police force. So now when all of a sudden, Hasina resigned, the country is left without an effective police force. That is why a lot of crimes are taking place in Bangladesh. I don’t think it’s Hindu persecution but rather agami league supporters that are being attacked. The new government has put the safety of Bangladeshi people at the top of its priority list. The protesters have said again and again that what we aim for is a country where everyone has equal right no matter what race or religion he/she belongs to. I believe that is the general sentiment of Bangladeshi people.

[singharkirat]

Mujibur was assasinated in 1975 not 2015

[GreetingsEarth]

The problem is not how to enforce democarcy, it's sustain it. There are thresholds for it, for example adequate income, educated middleclass, etc.
I hope Bangladesh won't become the second India.

[SaveManWoman]

Bangladesh just received the best gift. Finally someone worthy of a seat.

[Hujjathullah-fzqh]

Kudos to Democracy Now for bringing on two articulate interviewees who know what they are talking about. Now let us hope the situation in Bangladesh settles down and the Yunos team achieve a consensus to move the great Bangladeshi peoples forward ! ❤ ❤

[tperk]

Great job students and people for human rights! This is joyful news.

[Syeda.reza]

So happy to see Shahidul Alam in your show ! He is a very beloved person with a great personality and background.❤

[NabilKhanVisuals]

Hasina has blood on her hands! ( If I said this 2 weeks ago, I would've been jailed, kept in a torture cell, tortured everyday indefinitely). Each and every one of us can feel the freedom now! Salute to the GenZ of my country!

[mfu]

Hasina, never respect any body who are little opposition, criticism, Of her rule n activities. She destroyed all government sector. Even judiciary. Thankyou.

[VoidShell]

Sad he didn't get the respect he deserved from our country due to the dictator Hasina for the last decade. We students are really glad he came to lead our country and bring stability when we needed hi the most.

[kaisor]

Praises to all involved, and to those who have lost their lives, may Allah reward you with paradise and take care of your families in this world, may all the innocent get justice, and may all the wrong doers face justice.

[JoeAguiar-dd]

Awesome! Thank you for your hard work and talent! 💕😚

[saminnimas]

"Interim government". Not same as caretaker government

[provathassan]

Sahidul has been the most brave critical and resilient throughout the last 15 years. I am so happy, people like sahidul alam will be recognised for their contributions for the country which we so in need in coming days

[heliconun]

Its not caretaker government, its an interim government. Please correct it .