Bangladesh Unrest: National Elections to be Held After 3 Months | Read
Dhaka: Following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami are poised to establish an interim government, advised by social entrepreneur, banker, economist, and civil society leader Muhammad Yunus.
The ex-managing Director of Grameen Bank is set to lead this temporary government. According to a recent press release from Bangabhaban, Muhammad Yunus will act as the chief adviser to the interim government. This announcement came after a meeting between the main organizers of the anti-discrimination movement and President Mohammed Shahabuddin, which was also attended by the chiefs of the armed forces.
It has been determined that Bangladesh will conduct national elections in three months, once normalcy is restored following the protests. The participation of Hasina’s Awami League in the elections remains uncertain, and with Hasina likely to retire, the leadership of the Awami League is in question.
In the meantime, the BNP is organizing a significant rally today, featuring former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, who is also the BNP’s vice chairman.
The Jamaat-e-Islami, banned by Hasina’s government in 2013, may regain its political status and participate in the forthcoming general elections. Established in 1975, Jamaat-e-Islami is one of the country’s largest Islamist parties and has previously allied with the BNP.
Unrest persists in Bangladesh, with radical Islamic protestors attacking Hindu minorities and damaging government property. Those impacted by the violence are congregating near the India-Bangladesh border, seeking entry into Indian territory. The Border Security Force remains on high alert.