DHAKA - Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus took oath as the head of the country's interim government here on Thursday.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Yunus and other members of the new interim government at the presidential palace in the capital Dhaka.

READ MORE: Muhammad Yunus arrives in Dhaka to head Bangladesh's interim govt

Yunus' role as chief advisor was reportedly the equivalent to a prime minister. Sixteen other people have been included in the interim government.

Yunus landed in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon. In a speech at the airport, he called for the protection of the country from disorder and violence.

On Wednesday, the president's Press Secretary Md. Joynal Abedin announced that Yunus would serve as the head of Bangladesh's interim government.

President Shahabuddin dissolved the parliament on Tuesday, paving the way for the formation of an interim government following the fall of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.