Bangladesh’s political landscape continues to be turbulent following the resignation of Parliament Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Monday. Her resignation, tendered to President Mohammad Shahabuddin, comes just under four weeks after he dissolved the house following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Chaudhury’s departure adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught situation. She is facing accusations in a murder case stemming from the death of a jewellery worker during anti-government protests. This case is one of many targeting former ministers and Awami League leaders, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on the previous administration. Notably, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Shamsul Haque Tuku is also imprisoned on similar charges.
The arrests and legal proceedings against numerous Awami League leaders, including those involving corruption and murder charges, have been carried out under the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. This government took charge after widespread student protests against a controversial quota system in government jobs led to the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s nearly 16-year regime on August 5th.
Further complicating the situation, a Dhaka court on Monday barred eight ministers and eight lawmakers from the ousted government from leaving Bangladesh, based on petitions filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Chaudhury’s resignation raises significant concerns about a constitutional vacuum. Despite her resignation, legal experts maintain that she remains the Speaker, constitutionally obligated to administer the oath of office to members of the new parliament.
However, the absence of both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker adds to the existing political uncertainty. The constitution designates the Speaker as the acting President in the event of a vacancy in the Presidential office. Leading constitutional expert Shahdhin Malik expressed concerns about the political instability created by Chaudhury’s resignation and the imprisonment of the deputy speaker.
Chaudhury, a lawyer by profession, held the position of Speaker since April 30, 2013. She was re-elected in 2014, 2018, and 2024 on an Awami League ticket during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. Her appointment in 2013 made her the first female speaker in the history of the Bangladesh Parliament.
The current political crisis in Bangladesh is marked by a series of legal actions targeting the former regime and the absence of key figures within the Parliament. The ongoing instability raises questions about the future of Bangladesh’s political landscape and the path towards a stable and democratic government.
