Bangladesh’s Parliament Dissolved Amid Turmoil: Prime Minister Flees

By BBC and THEDISPATCH.DIGITAL REPORTER

Dhaka, August 7, 2024 – Bangladesh is in the throes of political upheaval after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country amidst escalating protests led by students. The dissolution of parliament, a key demand of the demonstrators, has set the stage for the formation of an interim government. The nation awaits the next steps as the military chief engages in discussions with political leaders and protest organizers.

Violent clashes across the country have left over 400 people dead, with more than 100 fatalities reported on Monday alone, marking the deadliest day since the protests began. Police stations were torched, leading the Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) to declare a strike, blaming authorities for the violence.

The unrest, which started in early July with university students demanding the abolition of civil service job quotas, quickly evolved into a broader anti-government movement. The protests culminated in the storming of the prime minister’s residence shortly after Hasina fled to India, ending her nearly 15-year rule.

In response to the crisis, Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, announced the formation of an interim administration to quell the violence. However, student leaders have rejected the idea of a military-led government, instead proposing Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus as the interim chief adviser. Yunus, agreeing to the role, is returning to Dhaka from Paris where he was undergoing a medical procedure.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, a key opposition leader, was released from years of house arrest. Her party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), had boycotted previous elections, demanding neutral caretaker administration—a possibility now after Hasina’s departure. Other political prisoners, including activist Ahmad Bin Quasem, were also released, signaling potential shifts in the political landscape.

India, closely monitoring the situation due to its shared border and ties with Bangladesh, confirmed Hasina’s arrival in Delhi and has increased border security. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep concern and emphasized the need for law and order to be restored.