News|Sheikh HasinaBangladesh’s interim leader Yunus steps down as new gov’t set to take over‘Let the practice of democracy continue,’ said Yunus, who has overseen the country’s post-uprising transition since 2024.
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has announced his resignation to facilitate the transition to a newly elected government. The announcement was made during a broadcast on Mon, Feb 15, 2026.
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has announced his resignation to facilitate the transition to a newly elected government. The announcement was made during a broadcast on Mon, Feb 15, 2026.
Yunus, who served as the chief adviser since August 2024, returned from self-imposed exile following a student-led uprising that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The recent general elections held on Feb 12, 2026, resulted in a decisive victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), headed by Tarique Rahman.
In the parliamentary elections, the BNP-led alliance secured at least 212 out of 300 seats, establishing a substantial mandate to govern. The Jamaat-e-Islami party secured 77 seats, becoming the primary opposition. The Awami League party was not permitted to participate in the election.
Rahman is set to assume the role of prime minister, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Tuesday. Election observers from the European Union described the elections as “credible and competently managed.”
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has announced his resignation to facilitate the transition to a newly elected government.
Alongside the elections, a national referendum endorsed comprehensive democratic reforms, known as the “July Charter.” These reforms include imposing term limits for prime ministers, establishing an upper house of parliament, enhancing presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence. The referendum results stipulate that the winning party is obliged to implement these reforms, although ratification by the new parliament is still required.
Yunus has praised the reforms, emphasizing their role in rebuilding institutions and setting a course for future governance. However, some political parties have raised concerns, indicating that the reforms will be subject to further scrutiny and discussion in parliament.
The primary focus moving forward will be on ensuring good governance, maintaining law and order, and upholding public safety, aligning with the aspirations of the 2024 uprising.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.