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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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Car Crash Outside Chinese School Injures Multiple Students
Multiple students were injured Tuesday morning after a car struck a group outside a primary school in Changde, a city in central China’s Hunan province, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact number of those injured but confirmed that all victims were taken to a hospital for treatment. None of the injuries were reported to be life-threatening, according to a local police statement.
The incident occurred just outside the school premises, causing chaos among students and staff. A 39-year-old male suspect was apprehended at the scene, and the case is under active investigation, police said.
Panic and Distress at the Scene
Videos circulating on social media, which have since been verified and geolocated, showed scenes of panic as children screamed and ran into the schoolyard. A man’s voice can be heard shouting, “Quickly, quickly,” urging others to move to safety.
Other footage depicted injured individuals, including adults, lying on the road. Police officers were seen handcuffing a man in front of a vehicle believed to be involved in the crash.
While these images gained brief attention online, they were swiftly removed from Chinese social media platforms. Comments sections on related posts were also disabled, reflecting ongoing efforts to control public discourse around the incident.
Rising Concerns Over Public Safety
The crash comes on the heels of a series of violent incidents across China that have unsettled the public. Just over a week ago, 35 people were killed in Zhuhai when a man drove his car into a crowd exercising at an outdoor sports center. Days later, a mass stabbing on a college campus in eastern China left eight dead and 17 injured.
These high-profile attacks, targeting random members of the public, have sparked widespread concern about public safety. Economic struggles and societal pressures are being cited as contributing factors behind these acts of violence, with online users describing them as acts of “revenge against society.”
Tuesday’s crash also echoes other recent incidents involving school children, including a stabbing near a Beijing elementary school in October and a bus crash outside a school in Shandong province in September, which killed 11 and injured 13.
Social media discussions surrounding these events have highlighted growing unease, with many users urging vigilance in public spaces. Comments from users on since-deleted posts expressed dismay over the targeting of children, with one writing, “How can someone target kids to get back at society?”
As the investigation into Tuesday’s crash continues, authorities are under pressure to address public safety concerns amid a noticeable rise in violent incidents.
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China Leads Global Shift to Clean Energy with Rapid Solar and Wind Expansion
In the heart of China’s Kubuqi Desert, nearly 200,000 solar panels form the outline of a galloping horse, a cultural emblem of Inner Mongolia. Beyond its symbolic significance, the installation reflects China’s ambitious push toward renewable energy as the nation works to combat climate change and transform its energy landscape.
China is installing wind and solar energy projects at an unprecedented pace, accounting for two-thirds of the world’s utility-scale capacity under construction. With nearly 339 gigawatts of projects underway, the country is set to generate enough electricity to power over 250 million homes, according to the Global Energy Monitor. This is in addition to the 758 gigawatts of renewable capacity already operational.
A Global Climate Leader
As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China has a pivotal role in global efforts to combat climate change. While emissions from the nation remain high—accounting for nearly a third of the global total—there are signs of a slowdown. Experts, including senior U.S. officials, believe China’s emissions could soon peak, potentially marking a turning point in the fight against climate change.
“China is now a global renewables powerhouse,” said Jonathan Pershing, former U.S. State Department climate diplomat. “The scale and speed of their wind and solar expansion are extraordinary and offer a model for other nations.”
China’s commitment to renewables has already exceeded targets. President Xi Jinping pledged to install 1,200 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030—a goal achieved six years early. By the early 2030s, the International Energy Agency predicts China will generate more solar power than the U.S. consumes.
Balancing Progress with Challenges
While renewable energy is rapidly displacing coal as the dominant power source in China, the country continues to build new coal plants even as it retires older ones. Wind and solar currently account for 37% of China’s electricity generation, reducing coal’s share by over 17% in the past two decades.
Experts like John Podesta, White House senior advisor on climate policy, emphasize the need for further coal plant retirements. “China has the capacity to phase out coal at a faster pace, which would have enormous implications for global emissions,” Podesta said.
Toward Emissions Reductions
China has committed to peaking carbon emissions before 2030, but U.S. officials are urging a steeper reduction—30% by 2035. Achieving this would save 4.7 gigatons of carbon pollution, equivalent to the U.S.’s total annual emissions.
While independent analysis suggests a recent 1% drop in China’s emissions, experts caution against drawing conclusions too early. However, shifts in China’s economy—marked by slowing demand for industrial materials and growing investment in solar and electric vehicle production—indicate a broader transformation.
Li Shuo of the Asia Society Policy Institute noted the significance of China’s progress: “If China’s emissions plateau, global emissions will likely follow, marking a milestone in combating climate change. It’s an insufficient first step but an important one.”
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