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Yunus interim government

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This article is about the cabinet of the Yunus interim government. For the executive position, see Interim government of Muhammad Yunus.
Yunus ministry

Interim government of Bangladesh
8 August 2024–present
Muhammad Yunus in September 2024 as the Chief adviser of the interim government
Date formed8 August 2024 (37 days ago) (2024-08-08)
People and organisations
PresidentMohammed Shahabuddin
Chief AdviserMuhammad Yunus
Total no. of members23
Member partyIndependent
Status in legislatureDissolved
History
Election-
Outgoing electionTBA
PredecessorHasina V

An interim government led by the Yunus ministry was formed on 8 August 2024 in Bangladesh, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024 amid nationwide student and public protests against the government. Following the dissolution of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad on 6 August 2024, the interim cabinet will remain in office until a new Prime Minister is appointed after a snap general election. The government, like the previous non-CtG interim administrations (in 1975 and 1990), is extra-constitutional. However, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh affirmed the legality of the stopgap government on 9 August 2024, citing the urgent need to manage state affairs and address the constitutional vacuum,[1][2][3] as has been the case in the past too.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to Yunus and his council of advisers at Bangabhaban on 8 August 2024.[4] The cabinet currently consists of 1 chief adviser, 19 advisers and 2 special assistants to the chief adviser. The Jamuna State Guest House is serving as the official residence of the Chief Adviser.[5]

Background

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This section is an excerpt from Non-cooperation movement (2024).[edit]
People cheering in front of the Prime Minister's Office after Sheikh Hasina's resignation

The non-cooperation movement,[a] also known as the one-point movement,[b] was a pro-democratic disinvestment movement and mass uprising against the Awami League-led government of Bangladesh, initiated within the framework of the 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement. The sole demand of this movement was the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet.[6][7]

Although initially limited to the goal of reforming quotas in government jobs, the movement snowballed into a mass anti-government uprising after the deaths of several protesters. The movement was also fueled by ongoing socio-economic and political issues, including the government's mismanagement of the national economy, rampant corruption by government officials, human rights violations, allegations of undermining the country's sovereignty by Sheikh Hasina, and increasing authoritarianism and democratic backsliding.[8][9][10]

On 3 August 2024, coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement announced a one-point demand for the resignation of the Prime Minister and her cabinet and called for "comprehensive non-cooperation".[11][12] The following day, violent clashes broke out, resulting in the deaths of 97 people, including students. The coordinators called for a long march to Dhaka to force Hasina out of power on 5 August. That day, a large crowd of protesters made its way through the capital.[13] At around 3:00 p.m. (UTC+6), Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India, her government's biggest ally.[14] Widespread celebrations and violence occurred following her removal, while the military and President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced the formation of an interim government led by economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.[15] Meanwhile, Indian media was seen engaging in a widespread disinformation campaign aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh, following Hasina's resignation and departure to India.[16][17]

List of advisers

[edit]

The following lists the advisers of the interim government:[18][19][20][21][22]

Portfolio Minister Took office Left office Ref
Chief Adviser's Office
Chief Adviser and also in-charge of:
Adviser for:
8 August 2024Incumbent
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser[d]16 August 2024IncumbentFormer Cabinet Secretary
22 August 2024IncumbentRetired lieutenant general of Bangladesh Army
28 August 2024IncumbentLiaison committee coordinator of Anti-Discrimination Students Movement[26]
Advisers to the Interim Government
Adviser for:
8 August 2024IncumbentFormer deputy Attorney General of Bangladesh and founder of Odhikar
Adviser for:
8 August 2024IncumbentFormer Attorney General of Bangladesh
Adviser for Religious Affairs8 August 2024IncumbentProfessor & naib-e-ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh[27]
Adviser for:
8 August 2024IncumbentKey coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement
Adviser for:
8 August 2024IncumbentProfessor, Department of Law, University of Dhaka
Adviser for Fisheries and Livestock8 August 2024IncumbentFounding executive of UBINIG
Adviser for:
8 August 2024IncumbentRetired brigadier general of Bangladesh Army and former Election Commissioner of Bangladesh
Adviser for Foreign Affairs8 August 2024IncumbentFormer Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh
Adviser for:
8 August 2024IncumbentKey coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement
Adviser for Health and Family Welfare8 August 2024IncumbentFormer acting managing director of Grameen Bank
Adviser for:
8 August 2024IncumbentChief executive of BELA
Adviser for:
8 August 2024IncumbentFormer governor of Bangladesh Bank
Adviser for:
8 August 2024IncumbentCEO of Brotee
Adviser for Primary and Mass Education11 August 2024IncumbentFormer director-cum-professor of National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital
Adviser for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs11 August 2024IncumbentChairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board
Adviser for:
13 August 2024IncumbentLiberation War veteran & Bir Protik awardee
Adviser for:
16 August 2024IncumbentRetired lieutenant general of Bangladesh Army and former Director-General of Bangladesh Rifles
Adviser for:
16 August 2024IncumbentFormer secretary of Power Division
Adviser for:
16 August 2024IncumbentEconomist & member of the United Nations Committee for Development Policy and former Adviser of the 1996 Caretaker Government

Constitutional legality

[edit]
The Jamuna State Guest House is currently being used as the office and official residence of the Chief Adviser of the interim government.

In spite of the existence of interim administrations in the 1975–78 (Sayem ministry) and 1990–91 (Shahabuddin Ahmed ministry) periods of Bangladeshi political history, there were significant concerns regarding the legality of an interim government, considering that the Constitution of Bangladesh does not allow for it to exist. The Constitution also forbids ouster clauses, following the doctrine of basic constitutional structure.

The only form of interim government that has been constitutional in the past under the country's law was the CtG system introduced in 1996 through the 13th Amendment but this was overturned by the Awami League regime in 2011 through the 15th Amendment, which repealed the former.[28] With the Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning and fleeing the country amid protests,[29][30] this creates an impossible situation for the Bangladeshi legal system because it can no longer account for transfers of power. That being said, the Appellate Division of the Bangladeshi Supreme Court has acknowledged the necessity of the Yunus government and ruled in favour of what essentially amounts to the wording of the 13th Amendment prior to its suspension: “The Appellate Division opined that in accordance with Article 106 of the Constitution, an interim government can be formed with a chief advisor and a few other advisors in the absence of parliament” as per Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan.[31] Hassan himself a staunch supporter of the ousted Awami League, has since resigned as Chief Justice.[32]

Hence, despite the lack of constitutional legality for an interim government, due to extremely broad popular support and the need to ensure that a military junta takeover like in 1975 is prevented, Yunus was sworn in on the night of August 8, 2024.[33][34] Yunus' government enjoys broad international support and is seen as legitimate by the international community, with many heads of state and Ministers of Foreign Affairs of other nations having congratulated Yunus upon having been sworn in as the new Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh.[35][36][37]

Reactions

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Internal

[edit]
  • The nomination of Yunus, who accepted an offer to advise the interim government, has been supported by key figures in the student movement.[38][39] Anti-discrimination student movement coordinator Nahid Islam (who later became an adviser to the interim government) said on 6 August 2024,[40]

    We have decided that an interim government would be formed, in which internationally renowned Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who has wide acceptability, would be the chief adviser.

  • Former member of parliament and business leader A.K. Azad said in his response,

    The government that has been formed under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus has support from us businessmen. We hope that the broken law and order situation will be restored as soon as possible. All those students and public who were killed will be done justice through a special investigation committee and a special court of law.[h]

  • Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Inu) president Hasanul Haq Inu and general secretary Shirin Akhtar said in a statement:

    As the primary and main task of the interim government, effective steps must be taken in restoring normalcy and peace in public life by ensuring the safety of life and property of the people through the reestablishment of law and order in the country without delay. Following the taking of office of the interim government, it should be ensured that there not be a single incident of loss of life, attack or destruction of property in the country.[i]

  • Joint General Secretary of the Awami League Mahbubul Alam Hanif has congratulated the interim government, which has taken the oath of office after the ouster of the government led by the party, through a Facebook post.[43] He also urged the government to take strict measures to stop killings, looting and arson attacks across the country.

International

[edit]

Governments

[edit]

Organizations

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Notes

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  1. ^ Bengali: অসহযোগ আন্দোলন, romanized: Ôsôhôjōg Āndōlôn
  2. ^ Bengali: এক দফা আন্দোলন, romanized: Ēk Dôphā Āndōlôn
  3. ^ Special assistant to the Chief Adviser with the status of a secretary on a contractual basis
  4. ^ equivalent to adviser
  5. ^ Title given as "Attached to the Chief Adviser's Office" in Bangladesh government's official website
  6. ^ Assists the Chief Adviser in matters related to defense and national integrity development
  7. ^ গণপ্রজাতন্ত্রী বাংলাদেশের অন্তর্বর্তীকালীন সরকারের প্রধান উপদেষ্টা লেফটেন্যান্ট জেনারেল (অব:) আব্দুল হাফিজ-কে প্রধান উপদেষ্টার বিশেষ সহকারী হিসেবে নিয়োগদান করেছেন। (transl. The Chief Adviser of the interim government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh has appointed Lt. Gen. (retd.) Abdul Hafiz as Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser)[25]
  8. ^ ড. মুহাম্মদ ইউনূসের নেতৃত্বে যে সরকার গঠিত হয়েছে তাতে আমাদের ব্যবসায়ীদের সমর্থন রয়েছে। আমরা আশা করব ভেঙে পড়া আইনশৃঙ্খলা পরিস্থিতি দ্রুত সময়ের মধ্যে ফিরিয়ে আনা হবে। যে সকল ছাত্র-জনতাকে হত্যা করা হয়েছে বিশেষ তদন্ত কমিটি ও বিশেষ আদালতের মাধ্যমে তার বিচারের ব্যবস্থা করবে।[41]
  9. ^ অন্তর্বর্তীকালীন সরকারের প্রাথমিক ও প্রধান কাজ হিসাবে অনতিবিলম্বে দেশে আইনশৃঙ্খলা পুনঃপ্রতিষ্ঠা করার মধ্য দিয়ে জনগণের জানমালের নিরাপত্তা নিশ্চিত করে জনজীবনে স্বাভাবিকতা ও শান্তি ফিরিয়ে আনতে কার্যকর পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণ করতে হবে। অন্তর্বর্তীকালীন সরকার দায়িত্ব গ্রহণ করার পর দেশে আর একটিও প্রাণহানি, হামলা ও সম্পদ ধ্বংসের ঘটনা যেন না ঘটে তা নিশ্চিত হবে।[42]

References

[edit]
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  2. ^ Shaikh, Emran Hossain (7 August 2024). "Interim govt: What the law says". Dhaka Tribune.
  3. ^ "Interim government headed by Yunus is legal, says Supreme Court". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  4. ^ "Yunus to stay at State Guest House Jamuna after taking oath". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). 8 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  5. ^ "Yunus to stay at State Guest House Jamuna after taking oath". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). 8 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
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  12. ^ "One Point Demand' announced from Central Shaheed Minar". Bonik Barta. Archived from the original on 3 August 2024. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
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  28. ^ Nirmitha Rao, Lingamgunta (7 August 2024). "Bangladesh's constitutional dilemma: Interim government under Yunus explained". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  29. ^ "Sheikh Hasina: Euphoria in Bangladesh after PM flees country". BBC News. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  30. ^ "Bangladesh army announces interim government after PM Sheikh Hasina flees". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  31. ^ "Ex-CJ Khairul faces complaint over alleged fraud in passing judgement". The Financial Express (Bangladesh). Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  32. ^ "Bangladesh's chief justice resigns after fresh protests at Supreme Court". France 24. 10 August 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
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  40. ^ "Student movement wants Yunus to head interim government". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  41. ^ ড. ইউনূসের নেতৃত্বের সরকারে ব্যবসায়ীদের সমর্থন আছে : এ কে আজাদ | কালবেলা. কালবেলা | বাংলা নিউজ পেপার (in Bengali). Kalbela. 9 August 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  42. ^ অন্তর্বর্তী সরকারকে অভিনন্দন জাসদের. Jugantor (in Bengali). 9 August 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  43. ^ "Awami League leader Hanif greets interim government". The Financial Express. 10 August 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  44. ^ "UK, US, Canada back Yunus-led interim govt in Bangladesh". The Business Standard. 10 August 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
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  46. ^ "Modi congratulates Prof Yunus on becoming chief adviser of interim govt". The Financial Express. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  47. ^ @RahulGandhi (8 August 2024). "Congratulations to Professor Muhammad Yunus on being sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government. A swift restoration of peace and normalcy is the need of the hour" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  48. ^ Hasib, Nurul Islam (17 August 2024). "Korea looks forward to working with Bangladesh interim government". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
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  50. ^ @anwaribrahim (9 August 2024). "I extend my heartiest congratulations to Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus on his appointment as Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh. His vast experience promises to guide the nation with wisdom and integrity" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  51. ^ @MMuizzu (8 August 2024). "Warm Congratulations to Dr. Muhammad Yunus on his appointment as the Chief Adviser of the interim government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  52. ^ "Sri Lanka president congratulates Yunus". The Daily Star. 15 August 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  53. ^ @DutchMFA (9 August 2024). "The Netherlands stands with the people of #Bangladesh on their road to a democratic future and welcomes the interim government of dr. Yunus. We deeply value our bilateral relationship and look forward to further cooperation in line with democratic principles and human rights" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  54. ^ "Chief Adviser GOB". Facebook. 17 August 2024.
  55. ^ @CMShehbaz (9 August 2024). "Heartiest felicitations to Professor Muhammad Yunus on his swearing-in as Chief Adviser of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Wishing him great success in guiding Bangladesh towards a harmonious and prosperous future. I look forward to working with him to deepen cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh in the days ahead. @Yunus_Centre" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
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  62. ^ "Myanmar Revolution Forces, CSOs congratulate Bangladesh on movement success". Dhaka Tribune. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
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