On topic: Bangladesh greets new dawn with Nobel winner Yunus

Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus became the leader of Bangladesh's caretaker government on Aug. 8, following weeks of turmoil that began when student-led protests rose up against the government and climaxed with the dramatic resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

As Yunus and the interim government have tough work ahead to quell social unrest they also must deal with mounting expectations for structural reforms and prepare for free and fair elections to be held sometime soon. Who is this Nobel Prize winner, what sparked the rage that chased away Hasina and how are neighboring countries reacting? Here is a selection of stories that will help you catch up on the unfolding situation.

Nobel winner to pick up 'mess' left by ousted Bangladesh PM

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus at Charles de Gaulle Airport near Paris on Aug. 7. The microcredit pioneer was asked to lead a caretaker government in Bangladesh.   © Reuters

Yunus is best known for his work with Grameen Bank, which traces its origins to small unsecured loans he began making to poor families in 1974. Hasina saw this champion of the underclass as a political threat, indicting him on what many saw as a long history of trumped-up charges. The effect was that mere months ago Yunus was fighting for his legacy. Read more.

Muhammad Yunus carries hopes of economic change

Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin, center, swears in Muhammad Yunus, right, in Dhaka on Aug. 8: The interim government is a diverse, nonpartisan team of activists, academics and retired officials.    © Reuters

Bangladesh was under the firm grip of Hasina until a few weeks ago. With her now out of the country, many citizens are waking up to a hopeful future for "a new Bangladesh" under the nonpartisan interim government headed by an 84-year-old economist, despite a series of economic challenges and the lingering effects of unrest. Read more.

Hasina's dramatic fall from grace: 5 things to know

Protesters gather around the prime minister's residence in Bangladesh as demonstrations sweep Dhaka on Aug. 5.   © Getty Images

Former Prime Minister Hasina's 15-year grip on power collapsed dramatically this month. What brought her young detractors into the street, and how did they push Hasina out of power? Here are five things to know.

India faces major foreign policy challenge with Bangladesh crisis

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina -- who fled the country on Aug. 5 -- enjoyed a good relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.    © Reuters

Hasina enjoyed a good relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But in the wake of her resignation and fleeing the country, uncertainty hangs over the two nations. As India's biggest South Asian trading partner, Bangladesh has received much investment from its neighbor, politically and financially. Read more.

For China, Bangladesh crisis spells opportunity and awkward social echoes

Hasina had recently signed a slew of economic, trade and public health agreements with China. With the countries also having elevated their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership," how will Beijing find working with the next government? Read more.

After Hasina, Bangladesh needs a foreign policy reset

For Yunus, who will lead the caretaker administration, the first and most urgent task will be to reestablish the rule of law and prevent reprisal attacks, including on minority Hindus, writes Thomas Kean. Read more.