Bangladesh’s political upheaval has intensified with the resignation of Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, following intense pressure from student protesters who surrounded the Supreme Court. Hassan, who oversaw a war crimes tribunal that ordered the execution of opponents of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, agreed to step down ‘in principle’ after protesters issued an ultimatum. This development comes in the wake of Hasina’s forced exile and the appointment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the interim leader.The situation in Bangladesh remains volatile, with reports of two prison breaks in the capital, Dhaka, resulting in at least 12 prisoner deaths and hundreds of escapees. These incidents underscore the challenges facing the interim government as it attempts to restore order and prepare for elections.Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus has called for national unity and religious harmony amid the ongoing crisis. During a visit to Rangpur, Yunus paid tribute to Abu Sayeed, a 25-year-old student killed during the protests, stating, ‘Abu Sayeed is now in every home. We must follow the way he behaved… there are no differences in Bangladesh, Abu Sayeed’. However, concerns persist about attacks on minority communities, particularly Hindus, with reports of businesses and homes being targeted.The interim government faces significant challenges in restoring stability. A police union strike has complicated efforts to maintain order, with officers refusing to work unless their safety is guaranteed. Additionally, the resignation of other high-ranking officials, including the Central Bank Governor, highlights the extent of the political upheaval.As Bangladesh navigates this tumultuous period, the focus remains on restoring stability and holding democratic elections. The interim administration has promised to hold elections ‘within a few months’, but the path forward remains uncertain amidst ongoing protests, violence, and institutional instability.
Key points
- Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan has resigned following intense student protests.
- Two prison breaks in Dhaka have resulted in at least 12 deaths and hundreds of escapees.
- Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus has called for national unity and religious harmony.
- Concerns persist about attacks on minority communities, particularly Hindus.
- The interim government faces challenges including a police strike and resignations of high-ranking officials.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported death toll from the protests, with some sources citing over 450 deaths, while others report around 300.
