Muhammad Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel laureate, has been appointed to lead Bangladesh's interim government following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
This decision comes after weeks of violent protests and unrest that culminated in Hasina fleeing the country.
Yunus, a renowned social entrepreneur and banker, is celebrated for his pioneering work in microfinance through the Grameen Bank, which he founded in 1983.
His efforts in providing small business loans to low-income individuals have significantly alleviated poverty in Bangladesh and inspired similar initiatives worldwide.
Yunus's appointment as caretaker premier was largely driven by the student-led protest movement that played a crucial role in toppling Hasina's regime.
The decision was finalized during a meeting that included student protest leaders, military chiefs, civil society members, and business leaders. Yunus, who was in France for a minor medical procedure, is expected to return to Bangladesh soon to assume his new role.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner has had a contentious history with Hasina, who once accused him of "sucking blood from the poor."
Despite facing multiple legal challenges and accusations of financial misconduct, Yunus has maintained his innocence, attributing these charges to political motivations.
His supporters, including over 100 Nobel laureates, have rallied behind him, calling for the suspension of these charges.
Yunus's leadership is seen as a beacon of hope for many in Bangladesh, especially the student protesters who view his appointment as a victory for their cause.
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