Bangladesh Parliament Dissolved a Day After Resignation of Prime Minister

In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh’s political landscape was shaken when the country’s parliament was dissolved a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. The long-serving leader fled the country following weeks of deadly unrest, leaving behind a nation in turmoil.

The president of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin, announced the dissolution of parliament in response to an ultimatum from student protest coordinators. The protests had initially begun over preferential job quotas but quickly escalated into a widespread movement demanding Hasina’s resignation. The situation deteriorated significantly, resulting in a violent crackdown that claimed the lives of at least 300 people.

On Monday, Hasina, facing mounting pressure, resigned and left the country. Her resignation led to immediate celebrations, with jubilant crowds overrunning her residence, looting, and setting several ruling party offices on fire. By Tuesday, however, calm had begun to return to the streets, with many people participating in cleanup efforts or gathering peacefully around Dhaka and other cities.

In a significant development, the president also announced the release of former Prime Minister and opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia from prison. Zia, who had been convicted in a graft case in 2018 and was later moved to a hospital due to deteriorating health, received a full presidential pardon. This move was described as a unanimous decision.

With Hasina’s departure, the army, led by Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, took the initiative to form an interim government. Zaman met with student protest leaders and major political party leaders, excluding the Awami League, to discuss the future governance of the country. The interim government is tasked with organizing elections as soon as possible, following consultations with all relevant parties and stakeholders.

The international community has closely watched these developments. A White House spokesperson commended the Bangladesh army for its restraint and urged the formation of a democratic and inclusive interim government. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for swift democratic elections and justice for those killed during the protests. In the UK, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy demanded a full UN investigation into the killings.

The unrest was primarily fueled by dissatisfaction with a quota system that allocated government jobs to descendants of freedom fighters from the 1971 independence war. This system was perceived as unfair by many students and young professionals, sparking the initial protests. The government’s heavy-handed response to the demonstrations only intensified the public outcry, leading to the widespread violence and ultimately, Hasina’s resignation.

Student protest leaders have called for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead the interim government. Yunus, currently in Paris for a minor medical procedure, has expressed his willingness to accept the role. He criticized Hasina’s rule, describing Bangladesh as “an occupied country” under her leadership. Yunus’s involvement brings a glimmer of hope for many, given his international reputation and efforts to alleviate poverty through microfinance.

The path ahead for Bangladesh remains uncertain. The interim government faces the daunting task of restoring stability, ensuring justice for the victims of the crackdown, and preparing for fair and transparent elections. The involvement of international bodies and continued vigilance by the global community will be crucial in supporting Bangladesh’s journey toward a more democratic and inclusive future.

As the nation begins to rebuild and move forward, the dissolution of parliament marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history, highlighting the power of collective action and the enduring quest for justice and equality.