Muhammad Yunus calls for unity as he offers condolences to student killed in Bangladesh protests

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Bangladesh’s new prime minister, Muhammad Yunus, called for unity as he embraced the mother of a student killed by police in an incident that sparked mass protests that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule.

Nobel Laureate Yunus (84 years old) returned from Europe earlier this week to lead an interim administration facing the huge challenge of ending the chaos and getting back on track democratic.

“It is our duty to build a new Bangladesh,” he told reporters.

Bangladesh has seen reprisal attacks against the Hindu minority following the former prime minister’s ouster, sparking concern in neighboring India and fear at home as well.

“Do not discriminate according to religion,” said Yunus.

Yunus called for calm when he visited the northern city of Rangpur to offer condolences to student Abu Saeed, the first student killed in the riots last month.

“Abu Saeed is now in every home,” he said. We should emulate the way he behaved… There are no differences in Abu Saeed’s Bangladesh.”

Abu Saeed (25 years old) was killed by the police from a short range on July 16 at the beginning of the suppression of student demonstrations against the government of Hasina.

His mother sobbed as she held Yunus, who was clearly affected and came to comfort members of the “advisory” caretaker government.

Next to Yunus, a member of the government, Nahid Islam (26 years old), a social sciences graduate who led the demonstrations that led to Hasina’s ouster, cried.

– Clear the relatives –

Hasina, 76, fled to neighboring India on Monday after mass demonstrations on the streets of Dhaka marked a dramatic end to her iron grip on power.

His government has been accused of widespread human rights violations, including the extrajudicial execution of thousands of political opponents.

Her government ministers, shocked by her ouster, left with her, and a large number of appointed officials were forced to resign, including the head of the national police and the governor of the central bank.

On Saturday, the Chief Justice became the latest official to announce his resignation, with private network Jamuna TV reporting that he had agreed to step down “in principle” off.

Obaid Al-Hassan, who was appointed last year, presided over a court that came under much criticism after he ordered the execution of Hasina’s opponents, while his brother was secretary-general his time

His announcement came after hundreds of demonstrators gathered in front of the court, calling for his resignation this afternoon.

“No one should do anything that the Supreme Court will oppose the massive uprising of students and people,” Asif Nisar, one of the protest leaders who has now joined the Yunus government, told reporters.

– Safety and security –

Immediately after Hasina’s downfall, several shops and homes were attacked by Hindus, who some believe are her supporters. Hindus represent about 8 percent of the Bangladeshi population.

Since Hasina’s escape, hundreds of them have reached the Indian border trying to cross.

Her defection angered India, which played a decisive military role in Bangladesh’s independence, but has supported Hasina to the hilt.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Thursday to ensure “the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minorities.”

More than 450 people were killed in the unrest that led to Hasina’s resignation, including dozens of police officers who were killed trying to quell the protests.

The caretaker government headed by Yunus said the establishment of law and order was their “top priority.”

Further complicating the government’s efforts is a strike announced by the police union on Tuesday, saying its members will not join the service if their safety is not guaranteed.

Bangladesh police said more than half of the police stations across the country had resumed service by Saturday.

The buildings are guarded by members of the army, an institution that is more respected than the police for its decision not to stop the protests.

There were two escape attempts from two prisons north of Dhaka this week, and more than 200 inmates managed to escape from one of them.

Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his pioneering work in microfinance and is credited with lifting millions of Bangladeshis out of poverty.

He assumed his duties Thursday as “senior adviser” to head an interim administration that includes civilian advisers, except for a retired brigadier general, and said he was to hold elections “within a few months.”

sha/gd/pk