The new interim government has started journey with Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Mohammad Yunus at its helm, just three days after the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led government amid a historic mass upsurge.
President Mohammad Sahabuddin administered oath of office and oath of secrecy to Dr Yunus as Chief Adviser, a position equivalent to the post of Prime Minister and the other council of advisers at Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban at about 9:20pm on Thursday.
Besides the Chief Adviser, the interim government comprises 16 advisers.
The name of advisers are Dr Saleh Uddin Ahmed, Dr Asif Nazrul, Adilur Rahman Khan, Hassan Ariff, Touhid Hossain, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Brig General (rtd) M Sakhawat Hossain, Supradip Chakma, Farida Akhter, Bidhan Ranjan Roy, AFM Khalid Hossain, Nurjahan Begum, Sharmeen Murshid, Faruki Azam, Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan.
Three advisers ---Bidhan Ranjan Roy, Supradip Chakma and Faruki Azam---could not take the oath as they were abroad.
Of the advisers, two advisers --Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan -- are representing the students who have dragged the AL-led government down through the mass upsurge.
The Chief Adviser stood up to the left of the President and took oath. He was followed by 13 other advisers.
After the swearing-in, Dr Yunus signed the affidavit of oath of office and oath of secrecy.
Dr Yunus was looking confident and lively at the Darbar Hall. The spacious hall was full to the brim with the invited guests.
He was given a standing ovation when he entered the Durbar Hall. Minutes later President Mohammad Shahabuddin entered the Darbar Hall where the chief adviser took oath.
The ceremony began with the recitation from the holy Quran.
Dr Yunus took oath first pledging to preserve, protect and defend the national Constitution and the sovereignty of the state.
Politicians including Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jatiya Party chairman GM Quader, Liberal democratic Party president Oli Ahmed, Bangladesh Jatiya party president Andalib Rahman Partha and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal faction president ASM Rob, among others, attended the ceremony.
Chiefs of the three services, members of diplomatic corps and high civil and military officials were also present.
The gate of the Bangabhaban opened at about 6:30pm for the invited guests. Around 400 guests were invited to witness the historic ceremony.
Invitees, who were at the Darbar Hall received the chief adviser with big claps.
The bugle was played just two minutes later and President Mohammad Sahabuddin entered the Hall. All stood on their feet as mark of respect when the national anthem was played.
Later, Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain sought President’s permission to conduct the oath-taking ceremony.
At the end of oath taking ceremony, the President and the chief adviser exchanged greetings with the new council of advisers, distinguished guests and dignitaries.
