People walk past vandalized cars at Mohammadpur Police Station in Dhaka, Bangladesh, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 6, 2024. IMAGE: REUTERS
In Summary:
- President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolves parliament, paving the way for an interim government.
- The move came in response to threats from student protesters who had vowed to continue their demonstrations if parliament was not dissolved.
On Tuesday, Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament, initiating the formation of an interim government.
This decision came a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following a violent crackdown on a student-led uprising.
An army member stands guard as people gather at the Parliament entrance following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 6, 2024. IMAGE: REUTERS
In a statement from the president’s office, it was announced that Begum Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a former prime minister, had been released from house arrest.
The move came in response to threats from student protesters who had vowed to continue their demonstrations if parliament was not dissolved.
The decision to dissolve parliament followed consultations with defense force heads, political party leaders, student leaders, and civil society representatives, as per the presidential statement.
Hasina’s departure on Monday marked the end of her 15-year second stint in power.
Over the last 30 years, she had governed Bangladesh for 20 years, continuing the political legacy of her father, state founder Mujibur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1975.
Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, is scheduled to meet with student leaders to discuss the establishment of an interim government, which is expected to organize elections soon after taking over.
Zaman had announced Hasina’s resignation on Monday, following which she flew to India and is currently staying at a safe house near New Delhi.