DHAKA, AUG 8 (AFP/APP/DNA):Three days after a student-led uprising forced their autocratic premier to flee by helicopter, euphoric Bangladeshis with hopes for change welcomed their new leader home.
Suleiman Islam Russell, 25, was among the crowd of hundreds who came to Dhaka’s international airport to greet Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who will lead a caretaker government that is being established in the country.
He had faith that the veteran economist was up to the job.
“I believe that Professor Yunus will restore democracy in the country,” Russell said. “I believe he will rebuild our country.”
Ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, accused of widespread human rights abuses including the jailing of political opponents, fled to neighbouring India on Monday as masses of protesters flooded Dhaka’s streets.
The military then agreed to student demands that Yunus — who won the Nobel in 2006 for his pioneering microfinancing work — lead an interim government.
Yunus had travelled abroad this year while on bail after being sentenced to six months in jail on a labour charge condemned as politically motivated. A Dhaka court acquitted him on Wednesday.
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