Bangladesh President dissolves Parliament; students want Yunus to head interim government
The Hindu
Bangladesh President dissolves Parliament, fresh elections promised; Nobel laureate proposed for interim government; protests continue.
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday (August 6, 2024) dissolved the 12th Parliament, formed through the January 7 national election, and assured the country that fresh elections will be held as soon as possible. This comes a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down after 15 straight years in power and fled the country, following a crackdown on widespread protests.
The key coordinators of Students Against Discrimination, the group that spearheaded the anti-government protests, proposed the name of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus to head an interim government. Mr. Yunus has given his consent to take on the responsibility, according to Nahid Islam, a protest coordinator.
Bangladesh protests: Follow LIVE updates on August 06, 2024
The decision to dissolve Parliament was taken following the President’s discussions with the three chiefs of staff of Bangladesh’s armed forces, the leaders of different political parties, civil society representatives, and the leaders of the students movement, according to a statement issued from Bangabhaban, the official residence of the President.
The statement added that the head of the main Opposition party had been released from prison. “[Bangladesh Nationalist Party] BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia was freed. The process to release those arrested between July 1 and August [5] has started, and many have already been released,” it added.
The streets of Dhaka were filled with crowds holding rallies and chanting in support of their respective parties on Tuesday. The central offices of the BNP and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami were also bustling, with leaders arriving from different parts of the country.
In the absence of traffic police, students and volunteers took charge of traffic management in various parts of the capital and other districts.
Bangladesh’s interim government’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for the “meticulous preservation” of records documenting alleged “atrocities” committed under the administration of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
U.S. aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea as a show of force amid North Korean missile tests.
Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham criticizes US government's handling of Israel-Palestine conflict while accepting Oscar for "No Other Land."
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals recalls 14.76 lakh bottles of Atomoxetine Capsules in the US due to impurity concerns.
Criticism of King Charles III in Canada for silence on Trump's threats to annex Canada sparks debate.
France and Britain propose one-month truce in Ukraine, focusing on air, sea, and energy infrastructure, with no ground fighting initially.
Pope Francis remains stable, improving from double pneumonia, receiving prayers and support from well-wishers worldwide.
Four killed, six wounded in Israeli attacks in Gaza City after fragile truce ends, says health ministry.
Badra Gunba wins Abkhazia's presidential election, sparking tensions over Russian influence in the breakaway Georgian region.
Russian Foreign Minister praises Trump's aim to end Ukraine war, criticizes Europe for prolonging conflict, advocates for pragmatic U.S.-Russia relationship.
UK, France, and other countries collaborate on Ukraine-Russia peace deal, bridging gap between Zelenskyy and Trump.
Marzieh Hamidi faces death threats for boycotting Afghan cricket team, calls for ICC action against Taliban regime.
Israel said on Sunday (March 2. 2025) it is stopping the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip.