Naheed Islam, the leader of the student protest movement in Bangladesh, flatly denied the idea of a military-backed government. He has instead suggested an interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Naheed Islam’s Statement
Naheed Islam and fellow student leaders Asif Mahmood and Abubakr Mazumdar released a video message outlining their vision for an interim government. They emphasized their refusal to accept any government supported by the military. Naheed Islam stated, “If an interim government is to be formed, we will provide its framework.”
Proposal for Interim Government
In their video message, the student leaders proposed that Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus head the interim government. Naheed Islam mentioned that students had already spoken with Dr. Yunus, who expressed willingness to take on a role in the interim government. Additional names for the interim government will be announced soon.
Naheed Islam called for unifying Bangladesh to end religious provocations and divisions. He claimed that they would form an interim government in the next 24 hours and urged protesters to stop to avoid further violence.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s Response
Dr. Muhammad Yunus accused Sheikh Hasina Wajed of destroying Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy. According to him, Bangladesh is now a free nation.
Formation Of Interim Government
During a meeting with military leadership on Monday, President Muhammad Shahabuddin of Bangladesh expressed readiness to constitute an interim government comprising members from different political parties and civil society organizations. The task of quelling ongoing looting and restoring lawfulness was assigned to the military.
Meetings With Political And Civil Leaders
Army Chief Waqar Zaman has been discussing forming an interim government with various political party leaders and civil society representatives. He also plans to meet students and teachers.
Exiled Prime Minister’s Status
According to Indian media reports, resigned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed has applied for political asylum in the UK, where her sister Sheikh Rehana already holds British citizenship. Both sisters are presently located in India.
Background Of The Protests
Last month, demonstrations erupted against a policy by the government reserving 30 per cent out of all available jobs in state institutions for children born from parents who fought during the war fought back in 1971, leading up to the deaths of two hundred people until finally, Supreme Court abolished this quota system afterwards.
