Yunus takes over: New hope for peace and democracy in Bangladesh?

Von Kl Redaktion

In Bangladesh, a new era is allocation after the authoritarian government of Sheikh Hasina comes to an end. The Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus is acted as a potential leader of a transitional government to navigate the country by a critical phase characterized by massive protest and unrest.

a change after bloody protests

The underlying reasons for the massive protests in Bangladesh, a country with around 170 million inhabitants, are diverse. Even if Sheikh Hasina has been in power as Prime Minister in the past 15 years, many citizens have long been awaiting hope of improving their living conditions. The high unemployment and the unstable economic situation have increasingly frustrated in the past few months. Course levy through a controversial regulation for access to jobs in the public service contributed in addition to the tensions.

Yunus: A multiple role in Bangladesh

Muhammad Yunus, who is known as the "banker of the poor", is considered a suitable candidate to restore the necessary stability. It leads the Grameen-Bank, which helps little borrowers to build their own business. His conviction that microcredit can serve as a power of poverty tools has been well received worldwide. He was recently sentenced to a court ruling that many are considered politically motivated by many because he did not have to go to prison. This could prove to be a challenge for his new office.

a step towards democratic renewal?

The current situation in Bangladesh could prove to be an opportunity to return to democracy. Thomas Kean, an expert in the region, emphasizes that the country has suffered from a government for years that has prevented real elections. This has led to the broad support of the protest movement, which demands more citizen participation and rights.

The role of the military and the reaction to protests

A crucial meeting between President Mohammed Shahabuddin, representatives of the protest movement and the military led to the decision to consider Yunus as a transition leader. It is reported that the military has already taken power and could play a role in the beginning of the political. The violence that prevailed during the last protests led to more than 300 deaths. These brutal repression ordered by Hasina have increased international pressure on the country.

FAZIT: A future in question

The new political constellation brings with it hope and uncertainty. Yunus ’takeover could be a relief for many, but it remains to be seen how he will deal with the existing challenges. In view of the history of recent years, it will be essential for the new government to regain the trust of the population and to promote real democratic processes.