Bangladesh is facing an unprecedented political crisis following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and departure from the country amid escalating protests. What began as a demonstration against a jobs quota system has rapidly evolved into a massive upheaval against her government, resulting in over 300 deaths in recent weeks. Here are the latest developments:
Latest Updates:
► Muhammad Yunus Calls for Calm
- Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, set to lead Bangladesh's interim government, appeals for peace
- Urges people to "refrain from all kinds of violence" and prepare to build the country
- Expected to return to Bangladesh from Europe on Thursday afternoon
Yunus's Vision for Bangladesh
- Describes Bangladesh as a "beautiful country with lots of exciting possibilities"
- Calls on citizens to protect and improve the nation for future generations
- Aims to hold elections "within a few months"
Praise for Protesters
- Congratulates students who led the protests, calling it the "Second Victory Day"
- Urges people to make the best use of the "new victory"
→ Political Developments
- Tarique Rahman, acting president of the Bangladesh National Party, addresses supporters via video
- Calls for swift elections and urges BNP supporters to remain calm
- Warns against taking "laws into your hands"
কেউ বিএনপি’র নাম ব্যবহার করে কোন অপকর্ম করতে চাইলে, তাকে আইনের হাতে তুলে দিন।
তারেক রহমান।
ভারপ্রাপ্ত চেয়ারম্যান, বিএনপি।#বিএনপি #BNP #তারেকরহমান #TariqueRahman pic.twitter.com/YdOMckLG2r— Tarique Rahman Official (@tariquebd78) August 7, 2024
► Massive Turnout at Naya Paltan
Thousands gather at Bangladesh National Party's central office for a rally. Festive atmosphere as supporters arrive from various parts of the capital.
Rally Preparations
- Stage set up for the event
- New posters have been put up, some describing Khaleda Zia as "Mother of Democracy."
- Notable absence of previous demands for Khaleda Zia's release.
For the first time in many years, the opposition #BNP Party's Chairperson #KhaledaZia came out & spoke. Addressed a BNP rally in Nayapaltan, #Dhaka. #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/qPZGtVmdGQ— Saleem Iqbal Qadri (@SaleemQadri_) August 7, 2024
Leadership Presence
- BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi arrived at 11:45
- Rally to be presided over by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
- Acting chairman Tarique Rahman expected to address virtually
Supporters' Sentiments
- Activists express joy at being able to hold a rally freely
- Gratitude expressed towards student community for toppling Awami League government
- Some supporters travelled from distant areas to participate
Rally Schedule
- The event is scheduled to start at 2pm
‘সর্বসম্মতিক্রমে খালেদা জিয়াকে মুক্তি দেয়ার সিদ্ধান্ত’ pic.twitter.com/X8m68jPAME— Monju Alom (@MonjuAlom1) August 5, 2024
This update highlights the BNP's first major public gathering following recent political changes in Bangladesh, with a focus on the enthusiasm of supporters and the party's evolving messaging.
► "What's happening in Bangladesh can happen here'', states Salman Khurshid
Congress leader Salman Khurshid has suggested that a Bangladesh-like situation could occur in India. At a book launch event, Khurshid stated,
"What's happening in Bangladesh can happen here... The spread in our country prevents things blowing up in the manner in which they've blown up in Bangladesh."
Khurshid added that while things may appear normal on the surface in India, including in Kashmir, there might be underlying issues. He suggested that the 2024 election victory (presumably referring to the BJP's win) was "perhaps only marginal" and that "a lot more needs to be done."
- In support of Khurshid, Congress MP Pappu Yadav stated that as long as
the current Prime Minister is in power, nothing will change in India. However, once the Prime Minister is no longer in office, something could happen.
→ BJP's Strong Retaliation
BJP has strongly retaliated against Khurshid's comments.
- BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra accused the Congress of trying to "spread anarchy" and "ruin India through backdoor tactics." Patra drew parallels between Khurshid's statement and Rahul Gandhi's previous "India on fire" remark.
- BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress of "inciting violence" and "undermining Bharat's democratic institutions." He questioned whether Khurshid wants Hindus attacked in India and who he is signalling to with his comments.
- Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu suggested that Khurshid "should go to Bangladesh."
These comments have sparked a political controversy, with the BJP accusing the Congress of putting politics above national interest in relation to the Bangladesh crisis.
► Muhammad Yunus Appointed to Lead Interim Government
In a dramatic turn of events, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed to lead Bangladesh's interim government following Sheikh Hasina's sudden resignation as prime minister. Yunus, 84, is best known for founding Grameen Bank and pioneering microcredit - providing small business loans to the world's poorest people, mostly women.
Key points about Yunus and his appointment:
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Yunus was named head of the new interim government on Tuesday, meeting a key demand of protesters. His appointment is backed by the military.
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He brings considerable clout with Western elites and is a popular choice among many Western governments. His supporters span industries and continents, including European royals, business titans like Richard Branson, and the Clintons.
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Despite his fame, Yunus has largely stayed away from politics. In 2007, he briefly considered forming a political party but ultimately decided against it, stating,
"I feel very uncomfortable with politics."
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Over the past couple of years, Yunus has faced legal challenges, fighting about 200 charges against him and his associates, including allegations of money laundering and graft. He and his supporters claim these charges were politically motivated under Hasina's government.
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Yunus is known for his commitment to alleviating poverty and is often referred to as "the poor man's banker." Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever Plc and a close friend, describes him as "the voice of the people left behind" and "a moral leader."
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His appointment comes at a critical time for Bangladesh, which has seen violent protests resulting in over 300 deaths in recent weeks.
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It remains unclear whether Yunus will pivot more deliberately into politics or simply serve as an interim leader until elections can be held. In a recent interview, he stated, "I'm not a politician. This is the last thing I will ever do."
The appointment of Yunus represents a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape, with many hoping his reputation and experience can bring stability to the crisis-stricken nation.
► Air India and IndiGo operate special flights, bringing back over 400 people from Dhaka to Delhi.
► Violent Attacks on Awami League Members and Minorities
The political crisis in Bangladesh has led to a surge in violence, with devastating consequences for Awami League members and religious minorities:
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At least 24 people, including an Indonesian national, were killed in a mob attack on the Zabir International Hotel in Joshor district. The hotel, owned by district Awami League general secretary Shahin Chakkladar, was set on fire late Monday night. Most victims were boarders at the hotel.
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Bodies of over 20 Awami League leaders and their family members have been recovered across the country following Sheikh Hasina's departure.
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In Satkhira, at least 10 people lost their lives as houses and businesses of Awami League leaders were vandalised and looted.
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Cumilla saw at least 11 people killed, including five teenagers, in mob attacks.
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In one incident, six people were killed when a fire was set to former councillor Mohammad Shah Alam's three-story house. Another 10 were injured, with one in critical condition.
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Four people died in a fire at the house of MP Shafiqul Islam Shimul.
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Two leaders of Jubo League, the Awami League's youth wing, were hacked to death in Bogra.
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Six bodies were discovered at the house of district Awami League Joint General Secretary Suman Khan.
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The death toll from the crisis has surpassed 400.
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Hundreds of Hindu houses, businesses, and temples have been burned and vandalised since Sheikh Hasina's resignation.
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Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami has been accused of instigating attacks on minorities and Hindu temples, though the organisation has publicly condemned such actions and called for the formation of a people's government.
The situation remains critical, with widespread violence, looting, and attacks on political figures and religious minorities continuing across the country.
► Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia released from custody. During a meeting with Maulana Mamunul Haque, secretary general of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, she expressed concern about nationwide violence, vandalism, and looting of state resources amid the anti-discrimination student protests.
► Bangladesh's top police official urges officers to resume duties and maintain public safety. Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG) A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman, appointed as the focal person to handle the current crisis, called on all police members to return to their duties in a phased manner, emphasising the crucial role of police in maintaining public order.
► US Secretary of State Antony Blinken calls on Bangladesh to respect democratic principles. Blinken stated,
"Any decisions that the interim government makes, they need to respect democratic principles, need to uphold the rule of law, need to reflect the will of the people."
► Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon expresses concern over reports of atrocities against minorities. Gilon posted on social media,
"I'm troubled by the reports of atrocities against minorities, including Hindus, and against their temples in Bangladesh."
► Nepal heightens border and embassy security in response to the situation. Nepali security agencies have increased vigilance across the border with India and around the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu to prevent unauthorised entry and possible protests. States increasing their border security include Kolkata and Assam.
► Supreme Court Bar Association President urges India to arrest and return Sheikh Hasina. AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon stated at a press conference,
"We want to maintain a positive relationship with the people of India. Please arrest Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, who fled the country, and send them back to Bangladesh."
As the situation continues to evolve, international observers and neighbouring countries remain on high alert, closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh. Stay tuned with Vygr for more.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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