Yunus Interim Government

An interim government led by the Yunus ministry was formed on 8 August 2024 in Bangladesh, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024 amid nationwide student and public protests against the government. Following the dissolution of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad on 6 August 2024, the interim cabinet will remain in office until a new Prime Minister is appointed after a snap general election. The government, like the previous non- CtG interim administrations (in 1975 and 1990), is extra-constitutional. However, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh affirmed the legality of the stopgap government on 9 August 2024, citing the urgent need to manage state affairs and address the constitutional vacuum, as has been the case in the past too.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to Yunus and his council of advisers at Bangabhaban on 8 August 2024. The cabinet currently consists of 1 chief adviser, 19 advisers and 2 special assistants to the chief adviser. The Jamuna State Guest House is serving as the official residence of the Chief Adviser.

Background

List of advisers

The following lists the advisers of the interim government:

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Constitutional legality

In spite of the existence of interim administrations in the 1975–78 ( Sayem ministry) and 1990–91 ( Shahabuddin Ahmed ministry) periods of Bangladeshi political history, there were significant concerns regarding the legality of an interim government, considering that the Constitution of Bangladesh does not allow for it to exist. The Constitution also forbids ouster clauses, following the doctrine of basic constitutional structure.

The only form of interim government that has been constitutional in the past under the country's law was the CtG system introduced in 1996 through the 13th Amendment but this was overturned by the Awami League regime in 2011 through the 15th Amendment, which repealed the former. With the Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning and fleeing the country amid protests, this creates an impossible situation for the Bangladeshi legal system because it can no longer account for transfers of power. That being said, the Appellate Division of the Bangladeshi Supreme Court has acknowledged the necessity of the Yunus government and ruled in favour of what essentially amounts to the wording of the 13th Amendment prior to its suspension: “The Appellate Division opined that in accordance with Article 106 of the Constitution, an interim government can be formed with a chief advisor and a few other advisors in the absence of parliament” as per Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan. Hassan himself a staunch supporter of the ousted Awami League, has since resigned as Chief Justice.

Hence, despite the lack of constitutional legality for an interim government, due to extremely broad popular support and the need to ensure that a military junta takeover like in 1975 is prevented, Yunus was sworn in on the night of August 8, 2024. Yunus' government enjoys broad international support and is seen as legitimate by the international community, with many heads of state and Ministers of Foreign Affairs of other nations having congratulated Yunus upon having been sworn in as the new Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh.

Reactions

Internal

* The nomination of Yunus, who accepted an offer to advise the interim government, has been supported by key figures in the student movement. Anti-discrimination student movement coordinator Nahid Islam (who later became an adviser to the interim government) said on 6 August 2024,

* Former member of parliament and business leader A.K. Azad said in his response,

* Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Inu) president Hasanul Haq Inu and general secretary Shirin Akhtar said in a statement:

* Joint General Secretary of the Awami League Mahbubul Alam Hanif has congratulated the interim government, which has taken the oath of office after the ouster of the government led by the party, through a Facebook post. He also urged the government to take strict measures to stop killings, looting and arson attacks across the country.

International

Governments

* Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Mélanie Joly welcomed the inauguration of the interim government in Bangladesh led by Dr. Yunus.
*Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China said, "China has noted the establishment of an interim government of Bangladesh and welcomes this".
*Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi congratulated Yunus after he was sworn in as a chief of the interim government. Modi said, "We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities". Leader of Opposition of India Rahul Gandhi & Cheif Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee also congratulated Yunus on being sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government.
*A spokesperson for the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope to strengthen Bangladesh–South Korea relations with the interim government.
*Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh congratulated and extended their full support.
* Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Yunus on his appointment as Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh.
*President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu congratulated Yunus on his appointment as the Chief Adviser of the interim government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
*President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulates Yunus and his interim Government of Bangladesh.
*The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the interim government of Dr. Yunus. Prime Minister Dick Schoof also congratulated Dr. Yunus, stating, "Our countries enjoy long-standing and cordial ties. I look forward to supporting your interim government and further deepening our cooperation."
* Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif wished Yunus great success in guiding Bangladesh towards a harmonious and prosperous future. He looks forward to working with him to deepen cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Many leaders of Opposition Party Pakistan Tehreek E Insaf(PTI) also congratulates Interim Government of Bangladesh.
* President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated Yunus. Erdoğan described Yunus as "a friend of Islam and Turkey", adding that "Turkey will continue to provide support in this turbulent time".
* Spokesperson for the United States Department of State Matthew Miller told reporters: "We welcome Dr. Yunus's call for an end to the recent violence and we stand ready to work with the interim government and Dr. Yunus as it charts a democratic future for the people of Bangladesh."
* President of France Emmanuel Macron congratulated Dr Yunus & extended full support.
* Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer welcomed the Interim Government of the Bangladesh and pledged support.

Organizations

*High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said, "The EU looks forward to engaging with the new administration and to supporting this critical transition which should be part of a peaceful and inclusive process underpinned by good governance, democratic values and respect for human rights".
*An alliance of 255 revolutionary groups and civil society organizations in Myanmar published an open letter congratulating the establishment of the interim government and appealed to Yunus to collaborate with and support the National Unity Government of Myanmar against the State Administration Council.

See also

* Interim government of Bangladesh
* Constitution of Bangladesh
* Elections in Bangladesh
* Government of Bangladesh
* List of cabinets of Bangladesh
* Non-cooperation movement (2024)
* Politics of Bangladesh
* Sayem ministry (interim 1975-78)
* Shahabuddin Ahmed ministry (interim 1990-91)
* Student politics of Bangladesh

Notes

References

{{Government of Bangladesh

2024 establishments in Bangladesh
Cabinets of Bangladesh
Cabinets established in 2024
Provisional governments
Bangladesh protests (2022–2024)

Current governments