DHAKA: Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus was sworn into office Thursday, vowing to lead Bangladesh back to democracy after a student-led uprising ended the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina.
Yunus, who earlier on Thursday had hailed the overthrow of Hasina as Bangladesh’s “second independence,” swore to “uphold, support, and protect the constitution” in front of political and civil society leaders, generals, and diplomats at the presidential palace.
“Today is a glorious day for us,” Yunus, 84, told reporters hours earlier when he returned to Dhaka from Europe.
“Bangladesh has created a new victory day. Bangladesh has got a second independence.”
Yunus called for the restoration of order after weeks of violence that left at least 455 people dead, calling on citizens to guard each other, including minorities who came under attack.
“Law and order is our first task… We cannot take a step forward unless we fix the law and order situation,” he said.
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