Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has announced that there is “a lot of work to be done” in Bangladesh as he arrived in the country to assume the role of interim leader. “People are excited,” the 84-year-old told the BBC shortly after landing in Dhaka from France on Thursday. He is set to be sworn in later the same day.

His arrival comes just days after Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh with an iron fist for 15 years, fled to India. Her departure followed weeks of escalating student-led protests, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and widespread demands for her resignation.

The decision to appoint Prof Yunus as chief adviser of the interim government was made after a meeting between President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders, and student representatives. The student leaders had made it clear that they would not accept a military-led government and insisted on Prof Yunus as the leader to guide the country through this transitional period.

Prof Yunus, known globally as the “banker for the poor,” is seen as a beacon of hope for restoring democracy in Bangladesh after years of autocratic rule. On Thursday, he stressed the importance of “discipline” as the nation begins the process of rebuilding.

“Hard work and get it done,” the smiling professor added as he made his way through the airport. “New opportunities have arrived.”