KATHMANDU: Muhammad Yunus, the newly appointed interim leader of Bangladesh, has called for calm and unity following a period of intense violence and political turmoil. Yunus, who was named interim leader after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and flight to India, made his first public comments from Paris. He praised the student protesters for their role in the upheaval and urged all parties to avoid further violence and focus on rebuilding the country. Yunus emphasized the importance of peace and vowed to work on resolving the ongoing crisis.

Significant casualties have resulted from the unrest in Bangladesh; at least 109 people have been confirmed dead, including 14 police officers, and many more have been injured. There have been numerous attacks, lootings, and disturbances, including a significant jailbreak in Satkhira that resulted in the escape of around 600 prisoners. Yunus is predicted to take office as the acting leader amid the turmoil and lead the nation through a democratic process, but it is unclear when fresh elections will take place.

Khaleda Zia, the ailing former Prime Minister and opposition leader, has also appealed for calm from her hospital bed. Zia, who has been under house arrest, urged her supporters to embrace peace and avoid further destruction. Her son, Tarique Rahman, also called for calm from exile in London. Zia’s release and her appeal reflect a broader call for stability and reconciliation in the country.

Dhaka has seen a tentative return to calm with students and activists taking on roles to manage and clean up the city after recent violent incidents. The new police chief has ordered officers to resume work, and President Mohammed Shahabuddin has urged security forces to act firmly against troublemakers. The dissolution of Parliament and the establishment of an interim government under Yunus have set the stage for future elections, but details on the electoral timeline are still pending.