Muhammad Yunus takes oath as head of Bangladesh's interim govt

DHAKA — Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus took oath as head of the country's interim government on Thursday.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Yunus and other members of the new interim government at the presidential palace in the capital Dhaka.

Yunus' role as chief adviser was reportedly equivalent to a prime minister. Sixteen other people have also been included in the interim government.

Yunus arrived in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon. In a speech at the airport, he called for the protection of the country from disorder and violence.

On Wednesday, the president's press secretary Joynal Abedin announced that Yunus would serve as the head of Bangladesh's interim government.

On Friday, China welcomed the formation of an interim government in Bangladesh, saying it respects the development path independently chosen by the Bangladeshi people.

"China strictly follows the principle of noninterference in other countries' internal affairs," a foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement.

China respects Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stands firmly by the policy of good neighborliness and friendship with all people of Bangladesh, the statement said.

Noting that the friendship between the two countries runs long and deep, the spokesperson said China values its relations with Bangladesh.

Beijing stands ready to work with Dhaka to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various areas and further advance a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, the spokesperson added.

Shahabuddin dissolved parliament on Tuesday, paving the way for the formation of an interim government following the fall of the government led by prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Speaking to the Times of India, Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who is based in the United States, said,"For the time being, she (Hasina) is in India. She will go back to Bangladesh the moment the interim government decides to hold an election."

Zhao Jia in Beijing and agencies contributed to this story.

Xinhua