Dr Yunus: Preserve our new victory, reject senseless violence

Describing violence as enemy, Nobel laureate Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus has said that the people must protect and make Bangladesh a wonderful country for them and for their future generations.

“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,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

His statement came a day after Dr Yunus was chosen to lead an interim government following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid a mass upsurge led by students.

Yunus congratulated the brave students who took the lead in making their “Second Victory Day” possible and to the people for giving their total support to them.

“Let us make the best use of our new victory.  Let us not let this slip away because of our mistakes,” he said.

He fervently appealed to everybody to stay calm. “Please refrain from all kinds of violence.”

He also appealed 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 said.

“If we take the path of violence everything will be destroyed. Please stay calm. Help those around you to stay calm,” he added.

Dr Yunus is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka from Paris on Thursday.

“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 on Thursday, August 8, 2024 subject to flight being on time,” said Lamiya Morshed, Executive Director, Yunus Centre.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday night decided to form an interim government headed by the globally acclaimed Nobel Peace laureate.

The decision came from a lengthy meeting held at Bangabhaban where chiefs of three services, two teachers of Dhaka University and coordinators of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement were present.

In the meeting, student representatives proposed an interim government headed by Dr Yunus. President Sahabuddin agreed with their proposal, said Bangabhaban slightly before zero hours.