Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced Wednesday that the country’s interim government is expected to be sworn in today evening with Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Mohammad Yunus as its head. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be held tomorrow night at Bangabhaban,” he told a media briefing at Dhaka Cantonment in the capital adding Prof Yunus was set to return home on Thursday afternoon when “I will receive him” and the ceremony would be held at around 8 PM (BST) at Bangabhaban. Prof Yunus, who is now on the way to return to Bangladesh after treatment in Singapore has appealed to all students, members of all political parties and non-political people of the country to stay calm and refrain from all kinds of violence.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia also has called upon the country's people, including her party leaders and workers, to forget the vengeance and revenge and strengthen the hands of students and youth to maintain a peaceful environment in the country. She made this call virtually while addressing a victory rally on Wednesday, organised by BNP, after dictator Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post of Prime Minister and fled the country in the wake of a student upsurge. Begum Khaleda Zia's videotaped speech was aired in the grand victory rally at Nayapaltan in the capital. The call has been made following some incidents of violations of law and order. 

The country’s law and order situation is a big concern for all as police forces are yet to be deployed in streets and key points. Students and Ansar members are controlling traffic without any major accidents. However, the concern is that at least 209 inmates have fled Kashimpur High-Security Central Jail, Gazipur, while six escapees have been killed by security personnel during the incident amid reports of violence in the aftermath of Sheikh Hasina's fall, according to media reports. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when inmates revolted inside the facility and managed to escape by scaling the walls, Senior Jail Superintendent Subrata Kumar Bala said on Wednesday afternoon. During the incident, six prisoners were shot dead by the guards.

Bangladesh, a nation with a rich history of resilience and progress, is currently facing significant political turmoil. The landscape is marked by intense polarization, frequent protests, and widespread discontent among the populace. Amid this backdrop, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the pioneer of microfinance, has emerged as a significant figure whose role and vision might be pivotal in restoring peace and stability. Bangladesh's political arena has long been dominated by two major parties: the Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia. This rivalry has often led to intense political clashes, strikes, and even violence. The recent years have seen allegations of electoral fraud, human rights violations, and suppression of opposition voices, further deepened the divide and eroded public trust in the political system.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus: A Beacon of Hope

Dr. Yunus is globally renowned for his innovative approach to poverty alleviation through microcredit, which has empowered millions of impoverished individuals, particularly women. His Grameen Bank model has been replicated worldwide, earning him the nickname "banker to the poor." Beyond his economic contributions, Dr. Yunus's principles of social business and ethical capitalism offer a refreshing perspective in a landscape marred by corruption and inefficiency. Despite his international acclaim, Dr. Yunus has faced significant challenges and controversies in Bangladesh. His removal from the Grameen Bank in 2011, ostensibly due to age limits, was widely perceived as politically motivated. The government accused him of mismanagement, while his supporters saw it as an attempt to curtail his influence. More recently, Dr. Yunus has faced legal battles over labor rights issues in his companies, which some critics argue are part of a broader campaign to discredit him.

The Path to Peace

Restoring peace in Bangladesh requires a multifaceted approach, addressing both the immediate political crisis and the underlying socio-economic issues. Dr. Yunus's vision for a more inclusive and ethical economy can play a crucial role in this process. Some immediate measures can help guide the nation towards stability. Encouraging the growth of social businesses that prioritize social objectives over profit can help address systemic inequalities and reduce economic disparities. These include urgently deploying police forces and focusing on sustainable development, these enterprises can create jobs, improve living standards, and foster a more cohesive society. With his reputation for impartiality and integrity, Dr Yunus could act as a mediator in the political conflict. Facilitating dialogue between the major parties, civil society, and other stakeholders can pave the way for a peaceful resolution and a more inclusive political process. Strengthening civil society organizations and grassroots movements can provide a counterbalance to political power struggles. By empowering citizens and promoting civic engagement, a more robust democratic culture can be nurtured.

The ongoing political situation in Bangladesh is complex and fraught with challenges. However, figures like Dr. Muhammad Yunus provide a beacon of hope. By embracing his vision of social business, ethical capitalism, and inclusive development, Bangladesh can chart a path towards peace and stability. It is imperative for all stakeholders to recognize the value of unity, dialogue, and shared progress in building a prosperous and harmonious future for the nation.