On Tuesday, students in Bangladesh called for Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead a caretaker government following the dramatic fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, who had been in power since 2009, fled the country on Monday after intense public protests over a controversial job quota system. The demonstrations, which resulted in hundreds of deaths, forced Hasina to leave aboard a military helicopter as the armed forces took control.
In response to the unrest, the Bangladesh Army has announced plans to form an interim government, with Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman stating it was time to end the violence. The president has dissolved parliament, meeting one of the major demands from student leaders and the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP), which has called for elections within three months. Student leaders are advocating for Yunus, an 84-year-old microfinance pioneer, to head the interim government.
The military has begun reshuffling top generals, including the removal of Ziaul Ahsan, a commander of the Rapid Action Battalion, and has released former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from house arrest.
The capital, Dhaka, witnessed a mix of peace and chaos. Traffic and businesses resumed normal operations, and international flights began to operate again. However, government offices remained largely closed following a day of violent protests that resulted in at least 122 deaths. Protesters celebrated the military’s takeover, with some storming and looting Hasina’s residence.
The unrest, which began over job quota disputes, escalated into widespread calls for Hasina’s resignation and led to significant destruction, including attacks on Hasina’s allies and property owned by Hindus, a minority group perceived as aligned with her government. The violence also saw attacks on police officers and key facilities. A prison break in northern Sherpur district resulted in the escape of all 518 inmates. The European Union has expressed deep concern over the attacks on religious and ethnic minorities.
Political prisoners, who were detained under Hasina’s rule, were also freed amidst the unrest. The fate of Hasina, now in India, remains uncertain as she faces potential challenges in her efforts to seek asylum in London.
In an additional update, sources close to the opposition report that the United States has revoked Sheikh Hasina’s visa. She is currently at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad, India. Hasina is exploring asylum options in Europe, but the UK has reportedly declined to offer her refuge. Her sister, Rehana, a UK citizen, is expected to travel to the UK soon.
The new military-backed government faces the significant task of restoring stability and rebuilding democracy in Bangladesh, which has been deeply affected by the recent turmoil.
