In a significant development amidst ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding the recent quota reform protests in Bangladesh, the country’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, made a rare television appearance on Monday. During his address, he announced the formation of an interim government led by Salimullah Khan, a prominent academic and public intellectual. This announcement comes in the wake of violent clashes and widespread unrest sparked by the government’s controversial job quota reforms, leading to numerous casualties and raising serious questions about the government’s handling of dissent.
Khan, known for his critical stance on political and social issues, has emerged as a central figure during this volatile period. He has been vocal in his calls for an international probe into the alleged state-sponsored killings that occurred during the protests, citing concerns about the transparency and impartiality of domestic inquiries. This demand reflects growing skepticism about the government’s ability to conduct a fair investigation.
In his recent statements, Khan has strongly criticized the government’s response to the protests, characterizing it as repressive and counterproductive. He argues that the issue of job quotas is deeply political and should be addressed through a political dialogue, rather than through further repression or superficial measures such as party bans. Khan advocates for a comprehensive political solution, which includes an unconditional apology from the government and its resignation as essential steps towards addressing the root causes of the unrest.
Furthermore, Khan has emphasized the critical need to restore a safe and conducive learning environment in universities, stressing that the ongoing violence and arrests of students undermine the educational system. His call for the release of detained students and support for victims of the protests reflects his commitment to justice and academic freedom.
Khan has been particularly vocal in his condemnation of the violence during the protests, stating that all the killings were state-sponsored, involving state forces and their associates. He believes that an international investigation is necessary to ensure a credible examination of these killings, given his skepticism about achieving justice domestically. He has expressed solidarity with those killed, injured, disappeared, and persecuted during the protests.
Khan’s stance on the quota reform protests highlights the deep divisions and political tensions within Bangladesh. His call for a political solution and an international probe into the violence underscores the growing concerns about the government’s handling of the situation and its commitment to transparency and accountability. The formation of an interim government under Khan’s leadership remains to be seen as a potential turning point in the ongoing crisis, offering a possible pathway towards a more inclusive and peaceful resolution.
