Bangladesh: Student protestors refuse to accept military rule

DHAKA: The leader of the student movement against former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Naheed Islam rejected the military-supported government in Bangladesh.

In a video statement, Islam, along with leaders Asif Mehmood and Abu Bakar Mazumdar, demanded the formation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus.

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They announced that discussions with Yunus already took place and that further names for the interim government will be revealed shortly. Islam stated that the interim government would be established within 24 hours.

The student leaders stated that their proposed government would include representation from all sectors of civil society and would not accept any administration formed without their involvement.

Dr Yunus criticised Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of undermining the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The recent unrest in Bangladesh resulted in 231 deaths over two days, with riots on Monday causing 135 deaths and hundreds of injuries. An attack on a prison in Sherpur led to the escape of 500 prisoners.

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Following Hasina’s resignation and fleeing to India, President Mohammed Shahabuddin expressed willingness to form an interim government with various political parties and civil society groups.

Bangladesh military has been instructed to restore order and halt looting. Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman stated that discussions are ongoing and there is no immediate need for a curfew or emergency measures.