Bangladesh in Turmoil as Hasina Resigns; Protesters Seek Yunus as Interim Leader

Bangladesh is engulfed in chaos following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, which came amid violent protests that have left at least 109 dead and hundreds injured, Arab News reported today.

The unrest, initially ignited by student-led demands to reform a controversial job quota system, has evolved into a significant challenge to Hasina’s 15-year rule.

As the dust settles, student protest leaders are advocating for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead a new interim government. Yunus, who faced corruption trials under Hasina’s administration, has expressed willingness to step in, calling the resignation a moment of “second liberation” for the nation.

In the aftermath of Hasina’s flight to India, military chief Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman announced the formation of a transitional government, promising accountability for the violence that has escalated since mid-July, resulting in nearly 300 fatalities. The military has pledged to investigate the recent crackdown, which has drawn widespread condemnation.

Celebrations of Hasina’s departure quickly turned tumultuous, with protesters attacking symbols of her regime and ransacking government buildings. The International Union of Muslim Scholars has called for the military to facilitate transparent elections, urging citizens to maintain order during this pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.