Dhaka, Aug 06 (V7N) — In a dramatic turn of events, Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has proclaimed Bangladesh "liberated" after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down amid weeks of intense protests and unrest.

Dr. Yunus, known for his outspoken views and his strained relationship with the Awami League government, characterized Hasina’s resignation as a monumental shift. Speaking to The Print, Yunus described the resignation as the end of what he saw as a period of oppression under Hasina's rule. “We were effectively an occupied country while she was in power. Her governance was marked by authoritarian control, almost like an occupying force. Today, Bangladesh breathes a sigh of relief and freedom,” Yunus stated.

Yunus, who has been embroiled in legal battles with the government, accused Hasina of undermining the legacy of her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He attributed the recent surge in violence and protests to widespread frustration with Hasina’s leadership. “The protests and vandalism were not just random acts of defiance but a direct response to the damage she has inflicted on our democratic values,” Yunus argued.

Looking to the future, Yunus expressed optimism about the role of Bangladesh’s youth in shaping the nation’s path forward. He emphasized that the anger towards Hasina was a manifestation of deeper discontent with a system he views as corrupt and unresponsive. “The demand for quota reforms was just the tip of the iceberg. The real issue was a lack of genuine political engagement and reform,” he said.

As he awaits his day in court, Yunus is hopeful for a new chapter in Bangladesh's political landscape, marked by fair elections and a renewed commitment to democratic principles. “The path forward is clear: embrace democracy and avoid repeating past mistakes. By doing so, Bangladesh can truly become a model of prosperity and justice,” Yunus concluded.

In a related development, Nahid Islam, a prominent figure in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, announced late last night that Dr. Yunus is set to lead an interim government. The full roster of the proposed interim government is expected to be revealed on Tuesday morning.