Bangladesh's Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus calls Sheikh Hasina a 'Monster'

Bangladesh's new interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has described the recent political upheaval in the country as a "student-led revolution," following the dramatic ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and prominent figure in microfinance, made the remarks during a news briefing on Sunday.

"This is a revolution, a student-led revolution," Yunus claimed. "There's no doubt about (that) because the business of the whole government collapsed." He went on to call Sheikh Hasina a “monster”. “Finally, this moment, the monster is gone,” he said. 

“What you have done is unparalleled,” says Yunus 

Yunus, 84, returned to Bangladesh from Europe last Thursday after being invited by people who played a key role in the protests that led to Hasina's resignation and subsequent flight to India. “I said, 'I respect you, I admire you. What you have done is absolutely unparalleled," Yunus said. It is important to note that minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, are being persecuted. 

What else did Yunus talk about?

The interim leader also detailed the ‘legal transitions’ that followed Hasina's departure, including the resignations of top officials such as the former chief justice of the Supreme Court and the central bank governor. "They want to have a new court," Yunus explained, adding that the student leaders had pressured the chief justice to step down. He assured that "all the steps were followed" legally.

Despite the public's favorable response to Yunus, he acknowledged the challenges ahead for his interim administration. "The moment you start taking decisions, some people will like your decisions, some people will not like your decisions," Yunus said.

He also announced his intention to hold elections "within a few months," emphasizing the need for democratic reforms during this transitional period. Yunus's comments were made during an off-the-record media briefing at a state building currently serving as the temporary seat of government. His office later approved the publication of his statements on Monday evening.