Calls For Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus To Lead Interim Govt In Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s parliament was dissolved on Tuesday following a dramatic escalation in civil unrest, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. This move came a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country amidst violent protests that called for her removal.

The resignation of Hasina, who had ruled Bangladesh since 2009, followed a month of escalating protests. Initially sparked by discontent over civil service job quotas, the demonstrations quickly evolved into a broader movement demanding Hasina’s resignation. Protesters accused her of election rigging and mishandling the country’s affairs.

In a statement, the president’s office confirmed the dissolution of parliament, just hours after student leaders set a firm deadline for the action. The protests had intensified after Hasina fled Bangladesh via helicopter on Monday, as the military took control of the country.

Student leaders, who had been instrumental in mobilizing the masses, demanded that parliament be dissolved by 3 p.m. local time on Tuesday. They also warned of severe repercussions if their deadline was not met. The army chief, General Wakeruz Zaman, was scheduled to meet with the student leaders to discuss the formation of a new interim government.

The students’ demands have shifted towards Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, whom they want to lead the interim government. Yunus, renowned for his pioneering work in microfinance through Grameen Bank and a 2006 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has reportedly agreed to this role. His involvement could be pivotal in stabilizing the country and leading it towards upcoming elections.

“Asif Mahmud, a prominent student leader, expressed confidence in Yunus, stating, ‘In Dr. Yunus, we trust. Any government other than the one we recommended would not be accepted.’” Nahid Islam, another key figure in the student movement, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that an army-supported or army-led government would not be acceptable.

Yunus has yet to make a formal statement on the situation. However, he recently described the political upheaval as a form of liberation for Bangladesh and expressed frustration with India’s support for Hasina, who has reportedly landed in India following her departure from Dhaka.

The unrest has resulted in a devastating toll, with over 400 people reported dead and at least 113 killed in the violence on Monday alone. Streets in Dhaka were notably calmer on Tuesday, but the city remains on edge. Major disruptions included the closure of garment factories, a crucial sector for the country’s economy, and significant disruptions in daily life.

The military has taken significant steps to manage the situation, including shutting down Dhaka’s international airport and restricting movement in and out of the capital. The World Bank has announced it is assessing the impact of the crisis on its aid programs, reflecting international concern about the situation.

Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been released from house arrest following the military’s takeover, a move that could further influence the political dynamics in the country. Zia’s release was ordered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin in a bid to stabilize the situation.

As Bangladesh navigates this turbulent period, the international community, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has called for a peaceful and orderly transition to democracy, underscoring the need for a stable and inclusive government to lead the country forward.

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