DHAKA: Bangladesh’s army chief, Wakeruz Zaman, announced plans to establish an interim government following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from Dhaka amidst extensive protests.
“We will form an interim government,” Wakeruz announced in a national broadcast on state television, adding that Hasina had resigned.
Since July, Bangladesh has been engulfed by protests and violence, resulting in the deaths of at least 300 people, according to a media report tally based on information from police, government officials, and hospital doctors.
Protesting student groups have demanded the abolition of a controversial quota system in government jobs, which escalated into a campaign to oust Hasina, who secured a fourth consecutive term in January in an election boycotted by the opposition.
Earlier today, students in Bangladesh called for a march to Dhaka, defying a nationwide curfew, just a day after deadly clashes in the country killed at least 91 people.
Adorned with medal ribbons on his green fatigues and wearing a four-star general’s cap, Zaman said he was “taking full responsibility” after Hasina was ousted.
“The country is going through a revolutionary period,” said Zaman, 58, who had assumed the role of army chief only on June 23. Hasina had trusted him because he was a distant relative.
“I give you my word that all the injustices will be addressed,” said the career infantry officer, although it was not immediately clear if he would lead the new government.
“The country has suffered greatly, the economy has been hit, and many people have been killed—it’s time to stop the violence.”
Zaman said he had held talks with leaders of major political parties, excluding Hasina’s long-ruling Awami League, and would soon meet with President Mohammed Shahabuddin to discuss the way forward.
He called for an end to “all violence in the name of protest” and promised that the new government would ensure justice for all the deaths that occurred during the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement, according to Bangladesh’s media report.
The army chief on Saturday said officers that the military “always stands by the people,” according to an official statement. Earlier, the Bangladesh army urged everyone to comply with the curfew rules.
“The Bangladesh army will fulfill its promised duty in accordance with the Bangladesh constitution and the existing laws of the country,” it stated in a statement late on Sunday.
“In this regard, the people are requested to adhere to the curfew and provide full cooperation,” it said, adding that the curfew was imposed to ensure the security of people’s lives, properties, and important state establishments.
The military declared a state of emergency in January 2007 after widespread political unrest and established a military-backed caretaker government for two years.
