Dhaka, Aug 8: A new interim Bangladesh government, led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, is set to take oath on Thursday evening at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban, media reports said.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office to the new government, Bangabhaban sources told the Dhaka Tribune.

Dr Yunus would be the interim government’s chief adviser, a post equivalent to Prime Minister, and the other advisors would be equivalent to ministers, said media reports.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced on Wednesday that the interim government’s oath-taking ceremony will take place at 8 pm.

When asked about the size of the interim government, he said, “I believe it might initially consist of around 15 members. However, one or two more individuals may be added.”

Bangladesh is set to swear in an interim government after 17 years of the Awami League regime, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning amid a mass uprising.

In response to the turmoil following the quota stir and Hasina’s ouster, the Army chief, in consultation with political party leaders, civil society leaders, and students, decided to form an interim government, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

According to media reports, the decision emerged from a lengthy meeting held at Bangabhaban, where the chiefs of the three armed forces, two professors from Dhaka University, and coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement were present.

During the meeting, student representatives proposed that Dr Yunus head the interim government, and President Shahabuddin agreed with their proposal.

UNI