Bangladesh’s Parliament Dissolved After Prime Minister Forced from Power
In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh’s parliament has been dissolved just a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign and flee the country. The turmoil comes after weeks of student-led protests escalated into deadly unrest, resulting in over 100 deaths in violent clashes across the nation on Monday.
The dissolution of parliament, a key demand of the protesters, sets the stage for the establishment of an interim government. The country’s military chief is currently in talks with political leaders and protest organizers to determine the next steps in this tumultuous period.
The protests initially began in July with peaceful demands from university students to abolish quotas in civil service jobs but quickly evolved into a broader anti-government movement. The situation reached a boiling point when demonstrators stormed the prime minister’s official residence, prompting Ms. Hasina to flee to neighboring India, ending her nearly 15-year rule.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of these events, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has been called upon by student leaders to serve as the interim government’s chief adviser. Mr. Yunus, who has agreed to take on the role, is set to return to Dhaka from Paris, where he is undergoing a minor medical procedure.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister and key opposition leader Khaleda Zia has been released from years of house arrest. Ms. Zia, who chairs the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), had boycotted elections in 2014 and 2024, citing concerns about the fairness of the electoral process under Ms. Hasina’s leadership.
The release of Ms. Zia and other political prisoners has raised hopes for a more inclusive and transparent political transition in Bangladesh. However, concerns remain about the fate of those who have disappeared or died in custody under the previous regime.
Neighboring India has expressed deep concern about the situation in Bangladesh and has deployed additional troops along the border. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the need for restoring law and order in the region to prevent further escalation of tensions.
As Bangladesh navigates this period of uncertainty, the international community will be closely watching to see how the country’s leaders and citizens come together to chart a path towards stability and democracy.
