Yunus Lands In Bangladesh To Lead Caretaker Government

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has declared there is "a lot of work to be done" in Bangladesh, as he arrived in the country to take over as interim leader.

"People are excited," the 84-year-old told the BBC moments after flying into the capital Dhaka from France on Thursday. He will be sworn in later.

His plane touched down just days after Sheikh Hasina - the woman who ruled Bangladesh with an iron fist for 15 years - fled across the border to India.

She resigned after weeks of student-led protests - which left hundreds dead - escalated and culminated in calls for her to stand down.
The decision to name Prof Yunus as chief adviser of the interim government followed a meeting between President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders and student leaders.

The students had been clear they would not accept a military-led government, but wanted Prof Yunus to lead.

The hope is Prof Yunus, the so-called banker for the poor, will bring democracy back to Bangladesh after years of autocratic rule.

On Thursday, he emphasised the need for "discipline" as Bangladesh begins to rebuild.

"Hard work and get it done,” the smiling professor added as he made his way through the airport. "New opportunities have arrived."BBC