MOSCOW, August 6 2006 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has been officially appointed as the head of the interim government of Bangladesh, the Dhaka Tribune reports, citing presidential spokesman Joynal Abedin.
The newspaper previously reported that Yunus had agreed to the proposal of the leaders of the student «revolution» in Bangladesh «to lead the country's interim government as a chief adviser.»
«Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the head of the interim government,» the publication says.
Earlier, the Daily Star reported that Yunus is currently in France, where he went to attend the Olympics and for treatment, but will return to Bangladesh soon.
Earlier, the leaders of student protests in this country said that they will not allow the formation of any interim government except one that «will be headed by Muhammad Yunus as the chief adviser.»
On Monday, Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina and her sister left the official residence in the capital Dhaka and went to a safer place amid unrest. News18 reported that Hasina resigned and flew to the Indian city of Agartala. The Hindu wrote that the former prime minister asked for asylum in the UK.
Protests and demonstrations began in Dhaka and across the country after the announcement of a multi-day «non-cooperation action» with the authorities, which was launched on August 4 by the Student Movement Against Discrimination organization. Clashes between anti-government students and police and government supporters have turned violent.
The Bangladesh government has imposed a curfew in Dhaka and other cities from 6 p.m. local time (3 p.m. Moscow time) until further notice. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday have been declared holidays across the country.