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Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Proposed as Head of Bangladesh’s Interim Government Following Hasina’s Resignation
In a major political upheaval, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has been proposed to head Bangladesh’s interim government, a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned amidst escalating unrest. Nahid Islam, a key organizer of the student protests, announced the proposal in a social media video, stating that student leaders had already discussed the role with Yunus, who agreed to take on the responsibility given the country’s current crisis.
Yunus, celebrated for his pioneering work in microlending which earned him the Nobel in 2006, has called Hasina’s resignation “the country’s second liberation day.” During Hasina’s rule, Yunus faced several corruption charges, which he claims were motivated by political vengeance. His potential leadership comes at a time when the nation is grappling with high unemployment, corruption, and climate change issues.
Hasina’s resignation followed weeks of violent protests triggered by opposition to a quota system for government jobs, which evolved into a broader challenge to her 15-year rule. The unrest culminated in violent clashes, leaving over 100 people dead and hundreds injured. Thousands of demonstrators stormed her official residence and other buildings associated with her party and family, leading to significant instability in the country.
General Waker-uz-Zaman, the military chief, announced that the military would form an interim government, and efforts were being made to restore order. President Mohammed Shahabuddin, after meeting with General Waker-uz-Zaman and opposition politicians, declared that parliament would be dissolved, and a national government would be established to lead to fresh elections.
Amid the chaos, the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) urged restraint, emphasizing that the spirit of the revolution should be maintained through due process. Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the BNP, called for calm, warning against taking the law into one’s own hands.
Internationally, the United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, emphasized that the transition of power in Bangladesh must align with international obligations and be inclusive. The UN’s call for a peaceful and lawful transition underscores the global concern over the unfolding events in Bangladesh.
The unrest has deepened economic distress in Bangladesh, with falling exports and dwindling foreign exchange reserves. General Waker-uz-Zaman assured the public that the military would investigate the crackdown that led to significant bloodshed since mid-July, promising accountability for those responsible.
The path forward remains uncertain, with the military wielding significant influence in a country that has experienced numerous coups since its independence in 1971. While Hasina’s resignation has been a pivotal moment, it remains to be seen whether it will bring an end to the turmoil or mark the beginning of a new chapter of instability.
Crowds continue to protest, ransacking buildings associated with Hasina’s government, highlighting the deep-seated frustrations within the population. As Bangladesh navigates this tumultuous period, the formation of an interim government led by Yunus could be a crucial step towards stabilizing the nation and addressing the grievances of its people.
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Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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