Published : 07 Aug 2024, 10:10 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 11:44 AM
Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to return to Dhaka on Thursday as he prepares to head the interim government that will take power following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina,
"Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka on the Emirates flight (EK-582) from Dubai at 2:10pm Dhaka time (GMT +6) on Thursday 8 Aug 2024 subject to the flight being on time," said Lamiya Morshed, executive director of the Yunus Centre, in a press release on Wednesday.
“I congratulate the brave students who took the lead in making our Second Victory Day possible and to the people for giving your total support to them," Yunus said in a separate statement released around 4:30pm on Wednesday.
"Let us make the best use of our new victory. Let us not let this slip away because of our mistakes. I fervently appeal to everybody to stay calm. Please refrain from all kinds of violence. I appeal to all students, members of all political parties and non-political people to stay calm. This is our beautiful country with lots of exciting possibilities. We must protect and make it a wonderful country for us and for our future generations."
He urged everyone to work together and build the country instead of resorting to violence.
"Our youth is ready to give this leadership in creating a new world. Let us not miss the chance by going into any senseless violence. Violence is our enemy. Please don’t create more enemies. Be calm and get ready to build the country."
"If we take the path of violence everything will be destroyed. Please stay calm. Help those around you to stay calm.”
Anti-Discrimination Student Movement coordinator Asif Mahmud had previously confirmed that Yunus would arrive in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon.
He said the coordinators had spoken to Dr Yunus several times.
Yunus was proposed as the chief advisor to the interim government by coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, who led the mass movement against the Awami League government.
The economist, known for his work on microcredit and Grameen Bank, agreed to the students’ proposal.
Lamiya, executive director of the Yunus Centre, told bdnews24.com on Tuesday: “Yes, it is confirmed. Sir has agreed to the students' proposal.”
The choice was confirmed following a meeting at the Bangabhaban that continued from Thursday night into early Wednesday morning, where the president, military chiefs and Anti-discrimination Student Movement coordinators were present.
