The formation of the next interim government, led by Nobel laureate economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has been confirmed. 

The decision was reached during a meeting at Bangabhaban last night, Tuesday, attended by President Md. Sahabuddin, the heads of the three armed forces, and coordinators of the student movement. 

The President's press secretary, Joynal Abedin, provided confirmation of the decision to the media.

A 15-member team of coordinators from the anti-discrimination student movement, which led the quota reform movement, went to Bangabhaban at 6 PM yesterday. 

An hour and a half later, around 7:30 PM, the heads of the three armed forces arrived at Bangabhaban. After a lengthy meeting with the President, the decision was made to form the interim government with Dr. Muhammad Yunus as its head.

After the meeting, around 12:15 AM, coordinator Nahid Islam spoke to the waiting journalists on behalf of the anti-discrimination student movement coordinators outside the Bangabhaban. 

He stated that they had proposed to Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the head of the interim government, and the President had agreed to this. 

In addition, they have provided a list of 15 names for the remaining members of the interim government, which includes representatives from civil society and student groups. 

This list will be discussed with various political parties and finalized within a very short period. They hope the interim government will be finalized within 24 hours or as quickly as possible.

‘Forming government under unusual situation’

Professor Asif Nazrul from Dhaka University told reporters, "We are forming this government in an unusual situation. There are various ways to provide constitutional legitimacy at this time. 

The rules will be followed. The term of the government has not yet been determined." Professor Tanzim Uddin Khan from the International Relations Department of Dhaka University was also present at the meeting.

Earlier yesterday morning, student movement leaders proposed Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the head of the interim government through a video message.

Government sources suggest that Dr. Yunus might assume the role of interim government head either today, Wednesday, or tomorrow, Thursday. 

However, there has been no effective government in the country for two days following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, leading to an unstable environment across the country, including in Dhaka.

To stabilize the situation, protesting students and leaders from political parties such as the BNP have been urging for the formation of an interim government as soon as possible.

Sources indicate that various parties and alliances, including the BNP, Jatiya Party, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Democratic Platform, who met with the President and the Army Chief last Monday, have agreed on Dr. Yunus. 

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told Prothom Alo yesterday that the proposal for Dr. Muhammad Yunus came up for discussion as the students suggested his name.

The Yunus Center announced to the media yesterday that Dr. Muhammad Yunus will assume the role of head of the interim government. Dr. Yunus told the BBC, “When students who have made so many sacrifices request me to step forward during this difficult time, how can I refuse?”

Dr. Yunus is currently in Paris, France. It is expected that he will return to the country either today or tomorrow, after which he may take on the role of interim government head. However, it has not yet been finalized whether other advisors to the government will assume their roles simultaneously or at a later time.

Who will be the members?

There is much speculation among political circles and the public about the number of members in the interim government and who will be included. Various lists have circulated on social media, but their accuracy has not been confirmed.

Leaders from different parties suggest that since Dr. Muhammad Yunus will be heading the government, his opinion will also be required on who else should be part of it.

There is discussion about the special role of the quota reform movement coordinators in this process. The opinions of the armed forces may also become significant.

On Monday, leaders from various political parties, including the BNP, Jatiya Party, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islamic Movement, and the Democratic Platform, held two rounds of meetings with the President and the heads of the three armed forces. 

According to sources from these parties, the interim government may include professionals, university professors, lawyers, representatives from civil society, and former military and civilian officials, as well as businesspeople.

So far, the President and the Army Chief have not consulted with the recently ousted Awami League and its allies regarding the interim government.

In 2011, the caretaker government system was removed from the constitution. Previously, the person leading the interim government during elections would take the oath as Chief Advisor, and others would be Advisors. 

This structure might be followed again. The President dissolved the parliament yesterday, leaving the country without elected representatives. As a result, the new government that will be formed, including its head, will be unelected.

After noon on Monday, Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position as Prime Minister and left the country, marking the end of her 15-and-a-half-year rule. She is currently in Delhi, India.

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