Following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina amid massive protests, Nobel-winning microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus has been named the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, backed by the military. Student leaders, whose protests led to Hasina’s ouster, met with Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman and President Mohammed Shahabuddin to discuss forming the interim government. The President’s office announced the decision late last evening.
The Bangladeshi Army has made several changes among its generals, demoting those seen as close to Sheikh Hasina, and removing Ziaul Ahsan, a commander of the Rapid Action Battalion. Additionally, former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, 78, was released from house arrest yesterday.
Rights groups report that hundreds of Hindu homes, businesses, and temples have been vandalised since Sheikh Hasina’s government fell. Hasina, 76, was forced to resign as Prime Minister on Monday evening after weeks of protests over job quotas that left over 400 people dead. She fled Dhaka after receiving a 45-minute ultimatum from the Bangladesh Army.
Sheikh Hasina arrived at Hindon Airbase near Delhi on Monday in a Bangladesh military aircraft and is expected to stay in India for the next few days, according to sources. Reports suggesting she sought asylum in London have been denied by her son, Sajeeb Wazed, who stated, “She has not requested asylum anywhere.”
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said the Indian government is giving Hasina time to decide her next move. He noted that she requested permission to come to India on short notice and the request was granted. Jaishankar also briefed Indian political leaders on the situation in Bangladesh and the steps taken by India to address potential security, economic, and diplomatic impacts.
The Indian government is in contact with the Bangladeshi Army to ensure the safety of Indian nationals and minorities in Bangladesh amidst the ongoing violence. The protests, which began in June against civil service job quotas, escalated into widespread unrest, ultimately leading to Hasina’s resignation.
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