Dhaka: Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, renowned for his groundbreaking work in microfinance, is now at the helm of a 17-member interim government in Bangladesh. The government includes several strong critics of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Yunus, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, has taken charge of a super-portfolio that includes transportation, land, defense, aviation, and energy. His team, which began its duties on Friday, are officially referred to as "advisers" rather than ministers.

Here's a look at the individuals responsible for leading democratic reforms after Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule.

Key Appointments in the Interim Government

Nahid Islam (Telecoms Ministry): At just 26 years old, sociology graduate Nahid Islam has been entrusted with the telecoms ministry. He is celebrated for leading the student movement that challenged civil service job quotas, ultimately leading to Hasina's resignation. Despite facing abduction and pressure from the police, Islam remained resolute in his activism.

Asif Mahmud (Sports Ministry): A 25-year-old linguistics graduate, Asif Mahmud played a significant role in the Students Against Discrimination group's campaign. He will now oversee the sports ministry.

Saleh Uddin Ahmed (Finance Ministry): Former central bank governor Saleh Uddin Ahmed, who served from 2001-06, will lead the finance ministry. Known for his fiscal discipline and tough stance against inflation, Ahmed has been a vocal critic of Hasina’s economic policies and her ties to influential oligarchs.

Adilur Rahman Khan (Industry Ministry): A prominent human rights activist and former deputy attorney-general, 64-year-old Adilur Rahman Khan will manage the industry ministry. His organization, Odhikar, documented numerous extrajudicial killings under Hasina's rule before it was banned by the government.

Sharmeen Murshid (Social Affairs Ministry): An advocate for election reform, Sharmeen Murshid has been critical of the national elections that solidified Hasina’s power. She will now lead the social affairs ministry.

Farida Akhter (Fisheries and Livestock Ministry): Farida Akhter, the founder of the Women's Resource Centre, takes on the role of managing the fisheries and livestock portfolio.

Touhid Hossain (Foreign Affairs Ministry): Former diplomat Touhid Hossain, in his late 70s, will oversee foreign affairs. Known for his pro-Western views and critique of Bangladesh’s relations with India, he has had a distinguished career as a columnist.

Nazrul Islam (Justice Ministry): A 61-year-old law professor and a fierce critic of Hasina, Nazrul Islam will take charge of the justice ministry. He is known for his pro-Western stance and opposition to Bangladesh’s close ties with India.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan (Climate Change Ministry): A leading environmental lawyer, Syeda Rizwana Hasan has fought against industrial pollution and illegal waste dumping. She will manage climate change affairs.

Sakhawat Hossain (Home Affairs Ministry): A former brigadier general, Sakhawat Hossain, who previously supported Hasina’s Awami League, will handle home affairs. He has advocated for a stronger role in addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis and supported the student protests against Hasina.

Bidhan Ranjan Roy (Psychiatry): Representing Bangladesh’s minority Hindu community, psychiatrist Bidhan Ranjan Roy is the sole member from this group in the interim government.

Supradip Chakma (Indigenous Affairs): Former diplomat Supradip Chakma will represent the indigenous people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Faruk-e-Azam (Local Government Affairs): A veteran of Bangladesh's 1971 independence war, Faruk-e-Azam, will manage local government affairs.

Hassan Ariff (Attorney General): Former attorney general during the BNP government, Hassan Ariff will play a crucial role in legal matters.

Nurjahan Begum (Health Affairs): A longtime associate of Yunus at Grameen Bank, Nurjahan Begum will oversee health affairs.

Khalid Hossain (Religious Affairs): A former professor of Islamic Studies in Chittagong, Khalid Hossain has been appointed to manage religious matters, reportedly on the recommendation of Islamist groups.

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