Amid the chaos that has engulfed Bangladesh, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the interim leader following the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The appointment comes after weeks of escalating protests that turned deadly, leading to Hasina’s abrupt departure to India. Yunus, an internationally renowned figure known for his pioneering work in microfinance, has been thrust into a critical role as Bangladesh seeks to stabilize its political landscape.

Early Life and Education
Muhammad Yunus was born on June 28, 1940, in the port city of Chittagong, Bangladesh (then part of British India). The third of nine children, Yunus grew up in a relatively affluent family. His father was a successful jeweler, and his mother was known for her charitable work, which had a profound impact on him. He attended Chittagong Collegiate School, where he excelled academically and demonstrated leadership potential from a young age.

After completing his secondary education, Yunus pursued higher studies at Dhaka University, where he earned a degree in economics. He later went to the United States on a Fulbright scholarship and obtained a Ph.D. in economics from Vanderbilt University in 1969. His time abroad, especially during the civil rights movement in the U.S., deeply influenced his worldview, particularly his commitment to social justice and economic equity.

Career and the Birth of Microfinance
Yunus began his professional career as an economics professor at Middle Tennessee State University before returning to Bangladesh in the early 1970s. Upon his return, Yunus witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by the 1974 famine, which profoundly affected him. He realized that conventional economic theories were not addressing the real needs of the poor. This realization led to his groundbreaking idea of microcredit.

In 1983, Yunus founded Grameen Bank, which provided small, collateral-free loans to the rural poor, especially women. His concept of microcredit—empowering individuals to start small businesses—gained international recognition and was praised for lifting millions out of poverty. Yunus and Grameen Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for their efforts in combating poverty through microfinance.

The Rise of Political Tensions
Despite his global acclaim, Yunus's relationship with the government of Bangladesh, particularly with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been tumultuous. The rift between them reportedly began when Yunus attempted to enter politics in 2007 by proposing to form his own political party, Nagorik Shakti (Citizen Power). However, the idea did not take off, and Yunus faced increasing hostility from Hasina's government.

In 2011, Yunus was removed from his position at Grameen Bank, a move he described as politically motivated. The government cited age limits and allegations of financial improprieties, which Yunus denied. The feud with Hasina deepened over the years, with Yunus accusing the government of undermining his work and tarnishing his reputation.

Legal Battles and Imprisonment
Yunus’s legal troubles intensified under Hasina’s administration. In January 2024, he was sentenced to six months in jail for violating labor laws related to his social business ventures. Yunus maintained that the charges were part of a political vendetta against him. Despite being on bail and appealing the conviction, Yunus continued to face pressure from the government, which led to protests from his supporters both within Bangladesh and internationally.

Political Ascent and Leadership
In the midst of the 2024 political crisis in Bangladesh, where mass protests led by university students called for Hasina's resignation, Yunus emerged as a key figure. The protests, which initially started over civil service quotas, quickly escalated into a broader anti-government movement. With the military refraining from taking control, student leaders and civil society groups pushed for Yunus to head the interim government.

Following discussions between President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders, and student representatives, Yunus was appointed as the interim chief adviser. Yunus, who was in Paris for medical treatment, accepted the role, stating that he could not refuse the students' call to help guide the nation through this critical period.

Legacy and Current Role
Yunus's return to Bangladesh marks a new chapter in his life, where he once again plays a pivotal role in the country's future. His legacy as a "banker to the poor" remains intact, but his new political role will likely redefine his impact on Bangladesh. Yunus’s leadership in the interim government is seen as a glimmer of hope for many who seek a return to democratic principles in the country.

As Bangladesh navigates this turbulent period, the world watches closely to see whether Yunus, a figure of global admiration but domestic controversy, can steer the nation toward stability and democratic renewal.