Bangladesh Violence: President Mohammed Shahabuddin declares dissolution of Parliament, interim government to formed soon
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has declared the dissolution of the Parliament and the formation of an interim government to facilitate prompt elections in the country which is witnessing severe anti-government protests that triggered former PM Sheikh Hasina's resignation.
Hasina, the longest serving Prime Miister of the country who returned to power for another term following a landslide victory in the general polls this year, fled the country amid violent protests and arrived in India on Monday.
In his address to the nation, the President said an interim government would be formed as soon as possible.
He also ordered the release of jailed former Prime Minister and key opposition leader and Sheikh Hasina's political rival Khaleda Zia.
The President also ordered the release of students who were arrested during the recent job quota movement.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement, the organizers of the recent protest movement in the nation, proposed Nobel Laureate Dr Mohammad Yunus to be made chief advisor of the interim government.
What happened on Monday?
Earlier Monday, the 76-year-old five-time Prime Minister was forced to resign from her position after more than 300 people died in violent protests over a quota for government jobs in that country.
The Bangladesh Army, which gave Sheikh Hasina 45 minutes to resign after her government couldn't control the violence, took charge of the country.
In a televised address Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said the military will form an "interim government" and told protesters to stand down.
"There is a crisis. I have met Opposition leaders and we have decided to form an interim government to run this country. I take all responsibility and promise to protect your life and property. Your demands will be fulfilled. Please stop the violence," the Army chief said.
Protesters attack Gonobhaban
After Sheikh Hasina fled the nation, protesters entered the Ganobhaban and looted the PM's official residence.
They were seen carrying clothes, including Sheikh Hasina's sarees, and other articles from the house.
Sheikh Hasina taken to safe house
After escaping the nation amid violence, Sheikh Hasina arrived at the Hindon airbase in India's Ghaziabad city.
After arriving in India he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Sources told The Indian Express she was taken to a “safe house”, and is likely to travel to the United Kingdom (UK).
Sheikh Hasina is expected to leave for London later where she may seek political asylum, NDTV reported quoting sources.
Hindu minorities targeted
Two Hindu councillors were among the 100 people killed in Sunday’s violent clashes across Bangladesh that also witnessed the vandalisation of several homes and temples of Hindus, including ISKCON and Kali temples, forcing devotees to seek shelter, local media reports said.
According to The Daily Star, Haradhan Roy, a member of the Parshuram Thana Awami League and the councillor of Ward 4 in Rangpur City Corporation, was shot dead during Sunday's clashes.
Another Hindu councillor from Rangpur, Kajal Roy, was also killed in the protests, reported The New Indian Express.
Several unconfirmed videos and clips are currently circulating across social media platforms where HIndu houses are being seen attacked by fundamentalists in the Muslim-majority nation.
Accoorfing to The Daily Star report, mobs targeted Hindu houses and business establishments in 27 districts of the country.
Attack on Hindus.... pic.twitter.com/5QD4QnB71H
— Voice Of Bangladeshi Hindus 🇧🇩 (@hindu8789) August 5, 2024
Monindra Kumar Nath, senior joint general secretary of the Oikya Parishad, told the newspaper they never thought they would see such attacks on their community.
They are trying to enter and attack Hindu houses. Muslims are entering Hindu houses where there is a beautiful Hindu girl. pic.twitter.com/VfouhCB48C
— Voice Of Bangladeshi Hindus 🇧🇩 (@hindu8789) August 5, 2024
"There are no areas or districts left where communal attacks have not taken place. We're continuously getting reports from different parts of the country about attacks on houses and business establishments," he said.