Student leaders in Bangladesh have called for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus to head a caretaker government, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid widespread protests. Hasina’s departure was prompted by months of demonstrations accusing her of election rigging and resulting in violent clashes that led to hundreds of deaths.
After fleeing the country on Monday, Hasina’s resignation was announced by Army Chief Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman, who stated that the military would establish an interim government. The announcement came as jubilant crowds celebrated and looted Hasina’s official residence.
In the wake of Hasina’s ouster, student groups have been vocal in their demand for Yunus to lead the new government. They are also calling for the dissolution of parliament and for new elections to be held within three months, a stance supported by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
“In Dr. Yunus, we trust,” declared Asif Mahmud, a leader of the Students Against Discrimination group. Yunus, who has not yet responded to the call, had previously criticized Hasina’s administration in an interview, labeling Bangladesh as “an occupied country” under her rule.
While Dhaka saw a return to relative calm on Tuesday, with traffic and business resuming, the previous day’s violence resulted in at least 113 deaths and extensive property damage. Protesters targeted symbols of Hasina’s regime, including her father’s statues and government buildings.
The unrest, which began with protests against civil service job quotas, quickly escalated into broader demands for Hasina’s resignation. The army’s takeover and the formation of an interim government have been marked by significant changes, including the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Khaleda Zia.
The future of Bangladesh remains uncertain as the country navigates through this period of upheaval. The international community and political analysts are closely watching the developments, with concerns about the potential for further instability.
News Editor