In a televised address to the nation, Bangladesh’s Army Chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced plans to form an interim government following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina had fled the capital amidst widespread protests, and General Waker-Uz-Zaman has assumed responsibility for restoring order.
The general, a seasoned infantry officer with nearly four decades of military experience, including two UN peacekeeping tours, stated that the interim government would aim to halt the violence and stabilize the economy. He has already held talks with opposition parties and civil society members, excluding Hasina’s Awami League.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman emphasized that his priority is to improve the situation and restore calm, adding that emergency measures would be unnecessary if the situation improves. He also vowed to prosecute those responsible for the recent violence, which has claimed numerous lives.
The army chief urged students to remain calm and cooperate with the new authorities, saying, “Now the task of the students is to keep calm and help us.”
General Waker-Uz-Zaman’s announcement comes after weeks of deadly protests, and his leadership is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the political crisis in Bangladesh.
