Muhammad Yunus Appointed Interim Leader of Bangladesh

In response to mounting demands from protesters, the president of Bangladesh has appointed Muhammad Yunus, a pioneer in microfinance and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, to head an interim government.

Yunus faces two immediate challenges. First, he must restore order in a nation of 170 million people, which has been rocked by weeks of student protests and violent clashes with security forces, resulting in over 100 deaths. Second, he must define the role and mandate of the interim government as Bangladesh prepares for upcoming elections to select a new leader.