Nobel laureate economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus returned to his homeland on Thursday, August 8. He arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka in the afternoon to take charge as chief advisor of the interim government. Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan welcomed Dr. Yunus upon his arrival. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement coordinators were also present there.

He broke down into tears, remembering the Martyr Abu Saeed, the Begum Rokeya University student who was killed in the anti-discrimination action. During his briefing, Dr. Yunus outlined his vision for a transformed Bangladesh that requires a complete overhaul of the state structure. He called on the young generation to embrace new ideas and leave behind old grievances, emphasizing that progress cannot be achieved by dwelling on the past.

He said, “We must protect this freedom. Not only to protect, but the benefits of this freedom should reach every human being. Otherwise, this freedom has no price. Achieving this freedom is our oath and our promise. We have to make it door-to-door safe. People should know that the independence of Bangladesh means a change in themselves, a change in opportunities, and a change in the future of their children. Convince the youth today that this country is in your hands and you will build it as you see fit. Since you are free, you can build as you please.”

Addressing the current state of the nation, Dr. Yunus called for calm and unity in the face of ongoing unrest. He acknowledged the reports of violence and anarchy that have affected the nation, condemning these actions as obstacles to development. He encouraged all citizens, particularly the youth, to devote their energy and creativity towards building a future that is free from fear and oppression.

At night during the oath-taking ceremony of the interim government Dr. Yunus was sworn in as the chief adviser of the interim government. The newly formed government will consist of 17 members, including Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The other members include Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, who served as the 9th governor of the Bangladesh Bank; Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, who is a former election commissioner of Bangladesh (2007–2012); Dr. Asif Nazrul; Dr. Islam, who is a law professor, researcher, and civil society activist; Adilur Rahman Khan, who is a human rights activist and the founder of Odhikar, a human rights organization; AF Hassan Ariff, who is a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Md. Touhid Hossain, who is a former foreign secretary of Bangladesh, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who is the Chief Executive of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (Bela); Supradip Chakma, who is the chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board (CHTDB); Farida Akhter, who is the founder of UBINIG and a researcher in agriculture, marine fisheries, population, and development issues; Prof. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, who is a psychology specialist in Mymensingh; Sharmeen Murshid, who is the chief executive officer of the human rights organization Brotee; Abul Fayez Muhammad Khalid Hossain, who is the former vice president of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh; Farooq-e-Azam, who is a Naval commando and a freedom fighter and was awarded Bir Pratik as well; Nurjahan Begum, who is one of the earliest associates of Professor Muhammad Yunus during the establishment of Grameen Bank; Nahid Islam, who is a Bangladeshi student activist who was one of the main leaders of the Students Against Discrimination Movement; and Asif Mahmud, who is one of the renowned coordinators of the Students Against Discrimination Movement.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, conveyed his best wishes on Twitter, and he hoped for an early return to normalcy in Bangladesh, which would also ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities.