Dhaka, 05 August (HS). In a dramatic turn of events amid the protests going on for the last several days in Bangladesh, the army has taken over the power after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown and left the country. Meanwhile, amid chaos and violence across the country, President Mohammad Shahabuddin has ordered the immediate release of jailed former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
A press release issued by the Bangladesh President's Office said, “The meeting unanimously decided to release BNP President Begum Khaleda Zia. Apart from this, it was decided to release all the detainees arrested in various cases related to the student anti-discrimination movement and recent incidents. There was also a strong consensus to not let communal harmony be disrupted in any way.
According to a press release issued by the President, a meeting was held at Bangabhaban under the chairmanship of President Mohammad Shahabuddin, Army Chief, Navy and Air Force Chief and leaders of various political parties and citizens for the purpose of forming an interim government. In the meeting, a condolence resolution was taken in memory of those killed in the anti-reservation movement and prayers were offered for the peace and forgiveness of their departed souls. It was decided in the meeting to form an interim government immediately. In the meeting, everyone was urged to exercise patience and tolerance to control the law and order situation in the country and it was decided to take strict action to prevent the army from looting and violent activities.
The meeting unanimously decided to release BNP President Begum Khaleda Zia immediately. Apart from this, it was decided to release all the prisoners detained in connection with the anti-discrimination movement and various other cases recently. The meeting also agreed that the community should not be destroyed in any way.
Earlier on Monday, after the uproar in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post of Prime Minister and she left the country and reached India. It is known that she has been kept in the safe house of Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad. At present, the situation in Bangladesh remains unstable. Student protests are being seen in many cities.
The uproar in Bangladesh started on the issue of reservation system in government jobs. And it is not that it started suddenly recently. There have been protests on this issue earlier also. The protesters were demanding the abolition of this controversial reservation system, under which a provision has been made to give 30% reservation in government jobs to the relatives of the fighters who took part in the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971).