Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, aiming to form a new interim government and hold elections, Reuters reported. The action took place one day after the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who left the country on Monday, August 5, due to violent clashes with a student uprising. Hashina ended her 15 years in power, characterized by intense political disputes and accusations of authoritarianism.
Simultaneously, the release of Begum Khaleda Zia, leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and former prime minister, was announced.Zia, who was under house arrest, has a long history of rivalry with Hasina, with both alternating in power since the 1990s. The dissolution of parliament and Zia’s release are seen as indications of change in a country marked by protests and violence.
ACTS IN BANGLADESH
The protests, which began against employment quotas for families of veterans of the 1971 war of independence, evolved into a broader criticism of the government.
Since July, more than 300 people have been killed and thousands injured. The economic crisis, exacerbated by expensive imports and inflation, and the quest for an IMF bailout have been a source of tension against Hasina’s government.
The decision to dissolve parliament came after consultations with leaders of the defense forces, political parties, student leaders, and civil society representatives, aiming to restore order and prepare the country for a democratic transition.
Student leaders also proposed that Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus serve as chief adviser to the interim government. Yunus accepted the role and criticized India for welcoming Hasina, saying it had caused resentment among Bangladeshis.
