Bangladesh protests: President dissolves Parliament, clearing the way for elections to replace Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina resigns: Bangladesh's President dissolves Parliament, leading to new elections after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns amid violent protests.

Bangaldesh’s President dissolved Parliament on August 6, clearing the way for new elections to replace the longtime Prime Minister who resigned and fled the country following weeks of demonstrations against her rule that descended into violent unrest.

The streets of Dhaka appeared calmer on August 6, with no reports of new violence as jubilant protesters thronged the ousted leader’s residence. Some posed for selfies with soldiers guarding the building where a day earlier angry protesters had looted furniture, paintings, flower pots and chickens.

As the country waited for a new government to emerge, a key student leader said protesters wanted Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus to head an interim government.

Follow LIVE updates from the crisis in Bangladesh on August 06, 2024

Mr. Yunus, who is currently in Paris for the Olympics, called Ms. Hasina’s resignation the country’s “second liberation day.” He could not immediately be reached for comment, but student leader Nahid Islam said Mr. Yunus had agreed.

Bangladesh’s figurehead President and its top military commander said late on August 5 that an interim government would be formed soon to preside over new elections.

Ms. Hasina’s 15 years in power ended with the leader and her sister boarding a helicopter for India, as thousands of protesters defied military curfew orders to march on her residence, which they later sacked along with buildings associated with her party and family. Her departure came after protests against a quota system for government jobs grew into broader challenge to her 15-year rule as scores were killed in clashes between protesters, security forces and pro-government activists.