- Army chief meets politicians, civil society members to discuss formation of interim govt
DHAKA, Bangladesh, August 5/Correspondent LP/ – In a historic turn of events, Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s prime minister for 15 years, resigned and fled the country following a massive people’s uprising. The unrest, which saw hundreds of thousands of protestors marching toward Dhaka despite a curfew and heavy rain, culminated in Hasina’s departure.
The capital’s streets, recently marred by weeks of violence and death, erupted in celebration as the Bangladesh army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, confirmed Hasina’s resignation. He announced that an interim government would be formed soon.
Citizens from all over the country, including those in Dhaka, were overwhelmed with disbelief at the sudden collapse of Hasina’s long-standing grip on power. The Awami League, her political party, had been perceived as nearly invincible until the three-week campaign initiated by students transformed into a nationwide movement.
Celebrations quickly turned to chaos as revellers stormed government buildings, including the prime minister’s residence, the office, and the parliament, seizing souvenirs. Ruling party offices and ministers’ homes were also ransacked across the country.
Amid the jubilation, clashes between demonstrators and police continued in some areas, creating a tense atmosphere. Reports of violence and deaths persisted even as the prime minister left without issuing any statement.
The student-led protest initially aimed at government job quotas grew into a larger anti-government movement. The Awami League’s harsh response resulted in over 200 deaths, further fueling the protests. The campaign reached its peak with a call to “march to Dhaka,” prompting a significant turnout and leading to Hasina’s resignation.
Hasina and her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, fled to India by military helicopter, first landing in Agartala and then proceeding to Ghaziabad near New Delhi. According to Indian media reports, she met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and is expected to seek asylum in London.
Meanwhile, in Dhaka, General Waker addressed the nation, flanked by military leaders, after meeting with politicians and civil society members, including prominent figures from various political and religious groups. Notably absent were representatives from the Awami League and the student campaigners, who later announced plans to propose an interim government framework.
General Waker reassured the public of justice for the recent violence and urged for calm. “Together, we hope to move towards a better situation,” he stated. “The country has suffered a lot. It is time to stop the violence.”
On his way to the presidential palace, General Waker was greeted as a hero by throngs of jubilant supporters. Later, a press release from the Bangabhaban announced the immediate release of BNP chief Khaleda Zia and the formation of an interim government to restore order.
Emerging from a crucial meeting, BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir declared the decision to dissolve the parliament and form an interim government. He called on all political parties and student leaders to maintain law and order, emphasizing the importance of restraint in this critical period.
