The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh has led to the appointment of Nobel laureate Prof Mohammad Yunus as the head of the interim government. In the midst of this transition, Yunus has fervently appealed for calm and urged everyone to refrain from violence. The country has witnessed a major reshuffle in the security establishment following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government, with Army chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman announcing that the interim government will take oath on Thursday around 8 pm.
Yunus, whose name was proposed by the coordinators of the Students Against Discrimination movement, congratulated the brave students who played a pivotal role in what he referred to as „our Second Victory Day.“ He emphasized the importance of making the best use of this new victory and urged all students, political parties, and non-political individuals to remain calm and avoid violence.
The Army chief acknowledged incidents of looting and anarchy after Hasina’s removal, noting that the police forces had become dysfunctional. In response, students took on the role of managing traffic as volunteers for the second consecutive day. Additional Inspector General of Police A K M Shahidur Rahman was appointed as the focal person of the Bangladesh Police to handle the current crisis, emphasizing the need for police to return to their duties and maintain security.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia addressed a massive rally in Central Dhaka, her first public speech since 2018. Zia emphasized the importance of love and peace in rebuilding the nation and urged support for the youth, stating that they are the future of Bangladesh.
Businesses in Bangladesh have called for the immediate restoration of law and order to ensure the safety of their production units amid attacks on factories. The Daily Star reported that six top officials of Bangladesh Bank, including Deputy Governor Kazi Sayedur Rahman, resigned as unrest erupted at the bank. Attorney General Advocate Abu Mohammad Amin Uddin also resigned amidst the ongoing turmoil.
The violence in Bangladesh has led to the deaths of at least 469 individuals, with reports of attacks on minorities surfacing. Transparency International Bangladesh has called for authorities to ensure the security of religious minorities and state assets, condemning the attacks on minorities as against the fundamental spirit of the students‘ movement.
In conclusion, the situation in Bangladesh remains tense as the country navigates through this period of political transition. The appeal for calm and the call for unity and peace from leaders like Prof Mohammad Yunus and Khaleda Zia are crucial in guiding the nation towards stability and progress. It is imperative for all stakeholders to work together to rebuild the country and ensure the safety and security of all its citizens.