Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced on Tuesday the dissolution of the parliament to pave the way for an interim government and new elections, following the resignation and escape of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the day before. The country has witnessed large-scale violent clashes in recent days against Hasina’s governance, resulting in significant casualties.
President Shahabuddin also ordered the release of opposition leader Khaleda Zia from house arrest. Zia, a longtime rival of resigned Prime Minister Hasina, was convicted of corruption by the Hasina government in 2018.
Student protesters have threatened to hold more demonstrations if the parliament is not dissolved.
The decision to dissolve the parliament was made after consultations with military leaders, party heads, student leaders, and some representatives of civil society, according to a statement from the presidential palace.
On Tuesday, there were no reports of new violent incidents in Dhaka, as jubilant protesters crowded outside the ousted prime minister’s residence.
While awaiting the formation of a new government in Bangladesh, a prominent student leader expressed that protesters hope Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus will serve as the chief advisor to the interim government. Yunus’ spokesperson confirmed his acceptance of the role.
The Bangladesh President and the top military commander announced that they will promptly assemble an interim government to oversee the new elections.
Hasina fled to India by helicopter on Monday, defying a curfew imposed by the military as protesters marched in the capital. Thousands of demonstrators eventually stormed her official residence and other buildings associated with her party and family. Critics claim that the government’s job quota system favors individuals linked to Hasina’s party, and the protests in recent weeks have evolved into a broader challenge to her 15-year rule.
Violent activities have swept across the country since July, resulting in around 300 deaths and thousands of injuries. Following the protesters’ intrusion into the prime minister’s luxurious residence on Monday, the streets of Dhaka returned to calm on Tuesday, with traffic flowing smoother than usual. However, many schools and businesses that were closed during the protests have yet to resume operations.
The Clothing Manufacturers Association stated that clothing factories supplying some of the top global brands remain non-operational. The announcement of their reopening will be made later.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the military leader, stated that he would temporarily control the government after Hasina’s resignation and promised with the president to swiftly form an interim government to supervise the new elections. Since its independence in 1971, Bangladesh has faced over twenty coups or attempted coups.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman is scheduled to meet with student leaders to discuss the formation of the government.