Mohammad Yunus Announces Resignation As Tarique Rahman Set to Take Oath in Bangladesh Tomorrow

New Delhi: Bangladesh's interim leader and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stepped down on Monday before handing over the reigns of power to prime minister-designate Tarique Rahman.

Yunus announced his resignation in a farewell broadcast to the nation a day ahead of the formation of the Tarique Rahman-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government in Dhaka.

“Today, the interim government is stepping down. But let the practice of democracy, freedom of speech, and fundamental rights that has begun not be halted,” Yunus said in an address.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner had returned to his nation in August 2024, after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, and he took on the role of being the nation's Chief Adviser at the role of the student leaders who had led the protests.

“That was the day of great liberation. What a day of joy it was! Bangladeshis across the world shed tears of happiness. The youth of our country freed it from the grip of a demon,” Yunus said in his address to the nation on Monday.

Yunus also mentioned that his country is not longer “submissive” and its relations with other countries in the world will be on the basis of mutual respect and national interest, The Daily Star reported.

Tarique Rahman To Take Oath Tomorrow

Tarique Rahman's BNP got a thumping victory in the 13th parliamentary elections, the first election held after the July Uprising, the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the death of Begum Khalida Zia. 

The ceremony is slated to be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhavan and will be attended by dignitaries from across South Asia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also invited to the ceremony but he had to turn it down owing to his engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron who will be on a state visit to India from Tuesday. India will be represented by Speaker Om Birla along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the historic swearing-in. PM Modi had earlier extended his congratulations to Rahman.

The BNP swept 209 of 297 seats, successfully bringing about the end of the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League. The election saw a voter turnout of 59.44%, and was deemed credible by international observers, including the European Union (EU), despite sporadic incidents of violence.

Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December, 2025 after 17 years in self-exile. His return revitalised the BNP and ultimately led the party towards the historic win. His victory speech was marked by his push for democratic values, economic development of the country, and regional cooperation in South Asia.

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