How long will Prof Yunus stay at Jamuna?

There is ongoing discussion and speculation in the political arena about Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the recently departed interim government—whether he is still staying at the official residence, has already vacated it, or what he will do next.

After the BNP formed the government on 17 February following its landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election, the interim government formally stepped down. In the meantime, several photos have circulated on social media, hinting at the quiet departure of the former chief adviser. But are these claims true?

Current situation at Jamuna

Following the mass uprising on 5 August 2024, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country. On 8 August, Prof Yunus took the oath as chief adviser of the interim government. Usually, Ganabhaban serves as the prime minister’s residence, but it became damaged and uninhabitable due to the uprising. As a result, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works designated the state guesthouse Jamuna as the chief adviser’s residence.

With the formation of the new government, Prof Yunus now has to vacate the building. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Ramna Zone) ADC Mir Asaduzzaman said Prof Yunus is still staying at Jamuna.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s new address

Newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has designated Jamuna as his official residence. DMP official Asaduzzaman said, “It has been confirmed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will move in. However, some renovation work will be carried out, which may take around two months to complete.”

Public Works Department Chief Engineer Md Khalequezzaman Choudhury said, “Some renovations will be required according to the prime minister’s needs. We had also carried out some work before the chief adviser moved in. Our target is to make the building ready for use within one month after it is vacated.”

When will Prof Yunus return to his own home?

A close official of Prof Yunus said he is currently staying at Jamuna with his wife and daughter. Renovation work is underway at his residence in Gulshan, and he may stay at Jamuna for about another week. Once the work is completed, he will permanently return to his Gulshan home.

A close source also confirmed that Prof Yunus is currently in Bangladesh, dispelling speculation that he has left the country. However, he is scheduled to travel to Japan in the third week of March to attend an event that had been planned while he was still chief adviser.

From next week, Prof Yunus will begin regular office work at his own institution, the Yunus Centre. He is currently managing his personal activities from Jamuna.

‘Three Zeros’ activities to resume at Yunus Centre

The former chief adviser is set to resume work on his globally recognised “Three Zeros” concept—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions.

Although Prof Yunus has not publicly commented on his future plans, close associates said he has invitations to several international conferences. 

For now, he will visit Tokyo for a five-day trip in the third week of March at the invitation of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, where he will deliver lectures and attend collaboration meetings before returning to Bangladesh.