Muhammad Yunus returns to non-profit work after 18 months leading Bangladesh’s interim government

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has returned to his non-profit initiatives after resigning as chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, a position he held for nearly 18 months. Yunus stepped down on February 16, shortly after the formation of a newly elected government.

The 85-year-old had returned from a self-imposed exile in August 2024, following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government in a student-led uprising, which saw the former prime minister flee to India by helicopter.

Yunus arrived at the Yunus Centre office in Mirpur on Sunday, according to a post on his Facebook page. “A warm welcome to Professor Muhammad Yunus as he returned to his former duties on Sunday, following an 18-month hiatus during which he led Bangladesh's Interim Government,” the post read.


On his return, Yunus was greeted by colleagues and presented with flowers. He later met with managing directors and advisers from Grameen organisations and the Yunus Centre to review paused initiatives and outline plans for upcoming projects.

He is expected to resume living at his home in Gulshan, Dhaka, by the end of the month, after staying at the official residence provided during his tenure with the interim government.

There had been speculation that Yunus could assume a constitutional role with the support of the incoming administration. Tarique Rahman, 60, chief of the BNP and scion of one of Bangladesh’s most influential political families, will now lead the South Asian nation of 170 million.