In a decisive move to address escalating political unrest and widespread protests, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced the formation of an interim government on Monday following the dissolution of parliament. The announcement came during a high-level meeting at Bangabhaban, which included political party leaders, civil society representatives, and the chiefs of the three armed forces.
“A decision has been taken to form an interim government as soon as possible by dissolving parliament. The army will also take measures to normalise the prevailing anarchic situation,” President Shahabuddin declared, according to Prothom Alo. This development aims to stabilize the nation amidst growing turmoil.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the directive for the release of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who has been under house arrest following multiple convictions. The Dhaka Tribune confirmed this decision, along with the release of all students detained during recent protests.
During the session, a condolence motion was adopted to express profound sorrow over the deaths of students and others during the anti-quota movement, which has deeply impacted the nation in recent weeks.
The political landscape of Bangladesh dramatically shifted as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina abruptly resigned and left the country on a military aircraft. Her departure created a power vacuum that the army has stepped in to manage, leading to significant unrest. Following news of Hasina’s exit, hundreds of protesters stormed her residence, causing extensive damage and looting. The anti-government sentiment has resulted in over 300 deaths in the past two weeks.
In response to the chaos, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army’s media wing, announced a curfew from midnight to 6:00 am on Tuesday. Army Chief General Wakar-Uz-Zaman is scheduled to meet with representatives of students and teachers to address their concerns, according to an ISPR statement. General Zaman also assured that all government and semi-government offices, private offices, factories, and educational institutions, including schools, colleges, madrasahs, and universities, will reopen on Tuesday, signaling a return to normalcy amidst the ongoing unrest.
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