Nobel winner says he's ready to head an interim Bangladesh govt

Parliament dissolved, paving way for polls; Hasina’s arch-rival freed from house arrest

Nobel winner Muhammad Yunus said on Aug 6 he was ready to head an interim government in Bangladesh after mass demonstrations forced long-time ruler Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country.

"I am honoured by the trust of the protesters who wish for me to lead the interim government," he said in a written statement to AFP.

"If action is needed in Bangladesh, for my country and for the courage of my people, then I will take it," he said. "The interim government is only the beginning.

Lasting peace will only come with free elections. Without elections, there will be no change." Earlier on the same day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament, paving the way for an interim government and new elections. His office also said Ms Hasina's arch-rival, Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairwoman Begum Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister, had been freed from house arrest.

Student protesters had threatened more demonstrations if Parliament was not dissolved.

Student leaders said they had received reports of sectarian attacks on minority groups, including on Hindu temples in the Muslim-majority country, and urged restraint as this could undermine their movement.