DHAKA: Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament on Tuesday, paving the way for fresh elections as an interim government was being formed. This move follows Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s abrupt resignation and departure from the country amid weeks of violent anti-government protests.
On Monday, the army took charge as the death toll from the violence, which included attacks on temples, rose to 440. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which led the protests, announced that Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus had agreed to head the interim government. Hasina, now in India, is under tight security.
Several Hindu temples, households, and businesses were vandalised, and women were assaulted. At least two Hindu leaders from Hasina’s Awami League party were killed. President Shahabuddin met with key student movement coordinators and armed forces chiefs to discuss the interim government.
Hasina, who arrived at Hindon airbase near Delhi on Monday, had planned to travel to London but faced obstacles due to the UK’s hesitation to provide refuge. She is now considering other countries, including the UAE, Belarus, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Finland.
Despite the unrest, Dhaka saw a return to calm with public transport and businesses reopening. Local media reported an increase in the death toll from the violence to 440 over 21 days.
President Shahabuddin’s dissolution of Parliament comes months after January’s boycotted polls that saw Hasina retain power. The President’s office stated that the decision followed discussions with military chiefs, political leaders, civil society, and student movement representatives.
Nahid Islam, a student movement coordinator, proposed Yunus as head of the interim government. Yunus, currently abroad, welcomed Hasina’s ouster and agreed to lead the interim government.
Meanwhile, BNP chief and former premier Khaleda Zia was released from house arrest. Fresh clashes erupted between protesters and Awami League supporters, leading to further violence and deaths.
As educational institutions reopened, attendance remained low, with significant fear and anxiety among those returning to work. Hasina’s travel plans remain uncertain as she explores options for her next move following her resignation and the subsequent political upheaval in Bangladesh.
