Muhammad Yunus has been sworn in to lead Bangladesh's interim government in a ceremony that began with a minute of silence as a tribute to those who were killed during the violent protests that recently swept the country.

Over 1,500 guests attended the inauguration led by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, including politicians, students, protest organizers, and military and civil society representatives. Other members of the interim government were also sworn in, including two student leaders and Adilur Rahman Khan, a major human rights activist who was previously imprisoned by the toppled government.

Yunus arrived at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday after having been in France for medical treatment. He was welcomed by Bangladesh’s military chief, Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman, along with navy and air force leaders. Some student leaders who had led an uprising against Prime Minister Hasina were also present, as they had proposed Yunus as interim leader to President Shahabuddin, who is currently acting as chief executive.

Yunus was scheduled to declare his new interim government but addressed his guests and nation with a speech welcoming the "new birth" of Bangladesh following the student protests. However, he condemned the violence Bangladesh has seen over the past few days, particularly that directed against religious minorities.

“My first word to you is to protect the country from disorder. Protect it from violence so we can follow the path our students have shown us,” he said, before commemorating the life of 25-year-old Abu Sayeed, a student who was shot dead by police during the riots.

The Awema League has not given up

The election date has not been announced yet, with Yunus saying, “I’ll go and talk to them. I’m just fresh in this whole area,” when asked about scheduling a date. 

Meanwhile, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to return to Bangladesh for the elections but was not present for the swearing-in ceremony, according to her son and advisor, Sajeeb Wazed Joy. 

On Wednesday, Joy said his family would return to politics and not give up after attacks on the Awami League party’s leaders and members, only a few days after announcing her retirement. Many saw Joy as Hasina’s successor in Bangladesh’s dynastic political culture, according to The Guardian. 

In a video message posted on Facebook, he urged Hasina's supporters to rise, affirming that his family "has not gone anywhere." 

“If we want to build a new Bangladesh, it is not possible without the Awami League. The Awami League is the oldest, democratic, and largest party in Bangladesh. The Awami League has not died … It is not possible to eliminate the Awami League. We had said that our family would not engage in politics anymore. However, given the attacks on our leaders and activists, we cannot give up.”

He also thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly "saving his mother's life."