Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has declared the dissolution of the Parliament and the formation of an interim government, to facilitate prompt elections in the country, which is witnessing severe anti-government protests that triggered former PM Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
Hasina fled the country amid violent protests and arrived in India on Monday.
In his address to the nation, the President said an interim government would be formed as soon as possible.
He also ordered the release of jailed former Prime Minister and key opposition leader and Sheikh Hasina’s political rival Khaleda Zia.
The President also ordered the release of students who were arrested during the recent job quota movement.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement, the organisers of the recent protest movement in the nation, proposed Nobel Laureate Dr Mohammad Yunus to be made chief advisor to the interim government.
What happened on Monday?
Earlier on Monday, the 76-year-old, five-time Prime Minister, was forced to resign from her position after more than 300 people died in violent protests over a quota for government jobs in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Army, which gave Sheikh Hasina 45 minutes to resign after her government couldn’t control the violence, took charge of the country.
In a televised address Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said the military will form an “interim government” and told protesters to stand down.
“There is a crisis. I have met Opposition leaders and we have decided to form an interim government to run this country. I take all responsibility and promise to protect your life and property. Your demands will be fulfilled. Please stop the violence,” the Army chief said.
Protesters attack Gonobhaban
After Sheikh Hasina fled the nation, protesters entered the Ganobhaban and looted the PM’s official residence.
They were seen carrying clothes, including Sheikh Hasina’s sarees, and other articles from the house.
Sheikh Hasina taken to safe house
After escaping the nation amid violence, Sheikh Hasina arrived at the Hindon airbase in India’s Ghaziabad city.
After arriving in India, she met the country’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Sources told The Indian Express she was taken to a “safe house”, and is likely to travel to the United Kingdom (UK).
Sheikh Hasina is expected to leave for London later where she may seek political asylum, NDTV reported quoting sources.
Sources told PTI that Hasina’s plan was to leave for London. However, certain issues have come up because of which there is some uncertainty in her original plan.
Hindu minorities targeted
Two Hindu councillors were among the 100 people killed in Sunday’s violent clashes across Bangladesh that also witnessed the vandalisation of several homes and temples of Hindus, including ISKCON and Kali temples, forcing devotees to seek shelter, local media reports said.
According to The Daily Star, Haradhan Roy, a member of the Parshuram Thana Awami League and the councillor of Ward 4 in Rangpur City Corporation, was shot dead during Sunday’s clashes.
Another Hindu councillor from Rangpur, Kajal Roy, was also killed in the protests, reported The New Indian Express.
(With inputs from PTI)
