Bangladesh’s army chief is set to meet with student protest leaders on Tuesday as the country anticipates the formation of a new government following the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst violent uprisings that resulted in hundreds of deaths.
Student leaders, who initiated a movement against job quotas that evolved into demands for Hasina’s resignation, have called for a new interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus as chief adviser. “Any government other than the one we recommended would not be accepted,” Nahid Islam, a key organizer of the student movement, stated in a Facebook video alongside three other organizers. They emphasized their opposition to any army-supported or army-led government.
Muhammad Yunus, 84, known for his work with Grameen Bank, which won the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for efforts to alleviate poverty through microloans, has reportedly agreed to take on the role of chief adviser. Yunus, who faces embezzlement charges he denies, did not immediately comment on the situation.
Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman is scheduled to meet with protest organizers at noon local time (0600 GMT) on Tuesday. This follows his televised announcement of Hasina’s resignation and the formation of an interim government. General Zaman has also engaged in discussions with major political party leaders, excluding Hasina’s Awami League, to chart the country’s future course, with plans to meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
President Shahabuddin, in a televised address on Monday, stated that an interim government would hold elections promptly after consulting all relevant parties and stakeholders. He also announced the immediate release of opposition BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, who was convicted of graft in 2018 but has been hospitalized due to deteriorating health.
Prime Minister Hasina, who ruled since 2009 after a prolonged power struggle with Zia, arrived at a military airfield near Delhi on Monday, according to Indian government officials. Reports suggest she may travel to the United Kingdom, although this remains unverified.
The unfolding political crisis and the formation of an interim government are pivotal moments for Bangladesh, with significant implications for its governance and stability.
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