The political landscape in Bangladesh has undergone a major upheaval with the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government and the appointment of Nobel laureate Prof Mohammad Yunus as the designated head of the interim government. As the country braces for a new chapter in its governance, Prof Yunus has fervently appealed to the people to stay calm and refrain from violence.
In a significant announcement, Army chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman revealed that the interim government will take oath on Thursday around 8pm, with a possible advisory council consisting of 15 members. He assured that the armed forces will provide full support to Prof Yunus in his new role.
Prof Yunus, whose candidacy was initially proposed by the Students Against Discrimination movement, commended the brave students for their role in what he referred to as „our Second Victory Day.“ He urged all students, political parties, and non-political individuals to maintain peace and work towards building a better future for the country.
However, the transition of power has not been without challenges. Reports of looting and anarchy have surfaced following Hasina’s removal from office. The police force was described as „totally dysfunctional“ by Gen Zaman, necessitating the intervention of the military, navy, and air force to restore order.
In the midst of the chaos, students have stepped up to manage traffic and maintain law and order as volunteers. Additional Inspector General of Police A K M Shahidur Rahman has called for the return of police officers to their duties to ensure security arrangements are in place.
The reshuffling of top positions in the security establishment, including the appointment of Rahman as the Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion, reflects the government’s efforts to address the current crisis. However, reports of attacks on police stations and facilities across the country have raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement officials.
Former premier Khaleda Zia, who addressed a rally in Dhaka, emphasized the importance of love and peace in rebuilding the nation. She called on the youth to play a pivotal role in shaping a democratic Bangladesh and urged for unity and reconciliation.
Businesses have expressed concerns about the safety of their production units amidst the unrest, with reports of attacks on factories. The resignation of top officials from Bangladesh Bank and the Attorney General further underscore the turbulent situation in the country.
The escalating violence has led to casualties among supporters of the Awami League party and instances of violence against minorities. Transparency International Bangladesh has called for the protection of religious minorities and state assets, denouncing the attacks as contrary to the spirit of the students‘ movement.
As Bangladesh navigates through this period of uncertainty, the appeal for calm and unity from leaders like Prof Yunus and Khaleda Zia resonates as a beacon of hope for a peaceful and prosperous future. It is imperative for all stakeholders to come together, set aside differences, and work towards rebuilding the nation on the foundation of love, peace, and inclusivity.