Bangladesh News Highlights: Bangladesh Chief Justice resigns after fresh protests hit country

Bangladesh's chief justice and central bank governor have resigned, officials said on Saturday. Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan resigned, a law ministry official said on the condition of anonymity, after students warned him of "dire consequences" if he did not. Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder has also resigned, but his resignation has not been accepted yet, finance ministry adviser Salehuddin Ahmed told Reuters.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, on Saturday urged the people of the violence-hit country to follow the example of student activist Abu Sayed, who bravely stood during the anti-government demonstrations that led to the toppling of Sheikh Hasina's government.

Sayed, a 25-year-old student at Rangpur's Begum Rokeya University, was among the first protesters to be killed in police firing on July 16 during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

Bangladesh recently experienced violent clashes between the police and predominantly student protesters who were demanding an end to a controversial quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971.

The 84-year-old Nobel laureate, who was sworn in on Thursday as the head of an interim government, met with Sayed's family members in Rangpur's Pirganj upazila, as reported by The Daily Star newspaper.

-- With PTI inputs

Amid students’ protest outside the High Court building in the capital city of Dhaka, demanding the resignation of the Supreme Court Chief Justice and seven judges of the Appellate Division, CJ Obaidul Hasan Saturday took a policy decision to resign, daily Prothom Alo reported.

The students said that they would peacefully demonstrate until their demands are met. Army has been deployed in the court premises, the report stated.

Students on Saturday began to protest outside the High Court building in the capital city of Dhaka, demanding the resignation of the Chief Justice and seven judges of the Appellate Division, daily Prothom Alo reported.

The students said that they would peacefully demonstrate until their demands are met.

Army has been deployed in the court premises, the report stated.

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed told news agency Reuters on Saturday he was "willing to work with the BNP ... to have democratic elections in Bangladesh and restore democracy and to work with them to ensure that going forward, we have peaceful democracy where there will be free and fair elections".

He said he was also encouraged by a recent statement from Khaleda Zia, chief of the main Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a Hasina foe, that there should be no revenge or vengeance after Hasina fled.

"I was very happy to hear Mrs. Khaleda Zia's statement that let bygones be bygones," Wazed said. "Let's forget the past. Let us not pursue the politics of vengeance. We are going to have to work together, whether it's a unity government or not."

"I believe that politics and negotiations are very important," he said. "We can argue. We can agree to disagree. And we can always find a compromise," he added. (Reuters)

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed told news agency Reuters on Saturday that her mother's Awami League party would contest the next election, which he said must be held within three months.

"I'm confident the Awami League will come to power. If not, we will be the opposition. Either way is fine," he said. (Reuters)

Sheikh Hasina had not resigned as prime minister before fleeing this week to India as anti-government protesters marched on her official residence, her son and adviser told news agency Reuters early on Saturday.

"My mother never officially resigned. She didn't get the time," Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed told Reuters from Washington. "She had planned to make a statement and submit her resignation. But then the protesters started marching on the prime minister's residence. And there was no time. My mother wasn't even packed. As far as the constitution goes, she is still the prime minister of Bangladesh."

He said though the president had dissolved parliament after consulting with military chiefs and opposition politicians, the formation of a caretaker government without the prime minister actually formally resigning "can be challenged in court". (Reuters)

Following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as the Prime Minister, at least 232 people were killed in violence and clashes that broke out in Bangladesh, according to a report in the Dhaka Tribune quoting Prothom Alo.

This takes the total number of deaths over the past 23 days to 560.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Sajeeb Wazed Joy, said on Saturday, that his mother never planned to leave the country and only did so due to fears for her safety. "She [Sheikh Hasina] was going to announce her resignation and a constitutional transition of power, which means parliament holding new elections. She had no plans to leave her residence at all… Even when they took her to the helicopter, she did not want to leave Bangladesh… I got on the phone and convinced my mother to leave, [saying] that if they [protestors] catch you, they will kill you," he said.

Wazed also mentioned how Sheikh Hasina was initially despondent about leaving her country, but her anger has now intensified due to the attacks on minorities.

(Inputs from ANI)

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has claimed that the recent protests in Bangladesh were likely instigated by a foreign intelligence agency, specifically suspecting the involvement of the ISI. Speaking to ANI, he said that the unrest was driven by external forces rather than domestic issues and criticized how his mother's statement was distorted to fuel the protests.

"I now firmly believe this was instigated by a small group and most likely by a foreign intelligence agency. I strongly suspect the ISI. There was no reason for the protests to continue because the quotas were not mandated by our government and were restored by a court ruling. Our government had lifted the quotas in 2018 or so when the first quota protests happened," he said. 

(Inputs from ANI)

Alarmed at the sudden rise in violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar Friday said that he will “not stop” until the minority community gets justice. “We need justice for the minority Hindus. These are heartbreaking activities. This has to stop, and I'm on top of it,” Thanedar said in a video statement issued Friday.

“The attacks on the minority Hindus is totally unacceptable. I am in touch with the State Department and authorities across the world. I am on top of it. And we will not stop until all of these things are addressed,' he said.

(Inputs from PTI)

Hundreds of people protested in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Friday against violence targeting the country's minority Hindus since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina quit and fled the country earlier this week.

A school teacher was killed and at least 45 people injured as homes, businesses, and temples of Hindus in Muslim-majority Bangladesh were targeted following Hasina's resignation on Monday. Protesters - some of them carrying posters demanding Bangladeshi minorities be 'saved' - chanted slogans of 'who are we, Bengali Bengali' and appealed for peace as they blocked an intersection in the capital on Friday.

Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighbouring India to escape the violence. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appealed for the 'safety and protection' of Hindus and Bangladesh's other minorities in a message on X on Thursday. In a televised address after he took the oath of office, Yunus said his government's goal would be to ensure 'democracy, justice, human rights, and full freedom of fearless expression' for all.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP),the arch-rival of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, stated that the decision for Hasina to stay in India was solely hers and the Indian authorities'. However, the BNP warned that this move might not be well received by the people of Bangladesh.

(PTI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the government has constituted a committee to monitor the current situation on the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB). He said, 'The committee will maintain communication channels with their counterpart authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals, Hindus, and other minority communities living there.'

He further added that the committee will be headed by the ADG, Border Security Force, Eastern Command.

Mohammed Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, key figures in the recent uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime in Bangladesh, have been appointed to significant roles in the interim government's Cabinet, Dhaka Tribune reported. Nahid, a student activist and leader of the quota reform movement, will oversee the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology. Asif, a coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination movement and former president of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad at Dhaka University, will lead the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The previous holders of these positions were Zunaid Ahmed Palak and Nazmul Hassan Papon, respectively.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced a temporary suspension on admitting new members to the party and its affiliated and associated organisations. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi signed a statement on Thursday night, declaring that no leaders, activists from other political parties, or non-political individuals may be included in the BNP's committees at any level during this period, Dhaka Tribune reports.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus on his appointment as Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government. She expressed hope that the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh would soon be resolved and peace restored. "I wish for Bangladesh's development, peace, progress and betterment of people from all walks of life. My best wishes to everyone from students, youth, workers, farmers and women there," she added. (PTI)

Amid violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he stands against any racially based attacks or incitement to violence.“What we’ve made clear is we want to make sure that the violence that has been occurring in Bangladesh in recent weeks is tamped down. Certainly, we stand against any racially based attacks or racially based incitement to violence,” Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said here on Thursday.He was responding to a question on the Secretary-General’s reaction to attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.Read Here

Dr Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's new interim government, and 13 advisors paid tribute to Liberation War martyrs at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar, Dhaka, according to Dhaka Tribune.

They laid wreaths, observed a minute of silence, and signed the visitors' book. Yunus, sworn in with his team the previous night, pledged to deliver a new era of democracy, justice, and human rights, seeking public support to achieve these goals.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will likely remain in India for some time, as her plans to travel to the United Kingdom faced a “technical roadblock,” The Indian Express has learnt. Hasina came to India on Monday (August 5) after violent protests against her government forced her to flee Bangladesh.

Along with her sister, the ex-PM had reportedly planned to seek asylum in the UK, where members of their family live. However, according to the country’s immigration rules, asylum requests can only be processed once a person is in the UK and Hasina does not hold a visa for travelling there.

The Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pranay Verma attended the oath-taking ceremony of Muhammad Yunus as the head of Bangladesh's interim government. Yunus, a Nobel laureate, was sworn in by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban palace. His appointment followed the resignation and departure of Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister, amid violent protests. Yunus will be assisted by a 16-member advisory council, including Md. Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. (PTI)

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, announced on Friday that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will return to Bangladesh once the newly appointed caretaker government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, decides to hold elections. Sheikh Hasina fled to neighboring India on Monday following weeks of intense protests that forced her resignation. Reports indicate that she is currently in a safe house in New Delhi. Joy also mentioned, "If there is a need for me to join politics, I will not refrain from that". He also expressed confidence that the Awami League will contest the elections and potentially secure a victory. (Reuters)

India's External Affairs Ministry has responded to the issue of Bangaldesh turmoil and said that the interests of people of Bangladesh remains foremost in its mind.

India also said that it hoped an early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh, where violent protests has claimed the lives of more than 300 people in past month.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was also asked about the plans of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is still in Delhi, to which he replied, “We do not have any update on her plan.”

Reacting to reports on attacks on minorities in Bangaldesh, Jaiswal said "India is in touch authorities in Bangladesh to ensure safety and security of Indian missions, the personnel working there and Indians residing in that country," as reported by PTI.

A crowd gathers in front of the President's official residence during the oath taking ceremony of the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. (AP Photo)

The violent protests and killing of more than 300 people in Bangladesh led to a turmoil wherein erstwhile ruling Awami League party supporters and members have been getting targeted.

But the streets of Bangladesh have remained largely calm as the new interim government takes charge of the country led by military and advised by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, reported Associated Press.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country as violent protesters demanded her resignation. After her departure, the demonstrators even ransacked the residence of Hasina and took away some items from the building.

The protest started against a job quota system wherein 30 percent government jobs get reserved for those who belonged to the war heroes of the Bangladesh independence war in 1971. Students demanded a merit based shortlisting of results rather than quota system.

Bangladesh’s main opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party ( BNP) chief Khaleda Zia has been holding rallies in the country after her release from house arrest.

As the interim government led by the military is taking charge of the country under Muhammad Yunus, the main opposition party BNP is holding rallies in Bangladesh and making a ground for its revival in Dhaka’s politics.

Khaleda Zia was under house arrest due to several cases when Sheikh Hasina was the prime minister and after the latter fled the country, Bangladesh’s President ordered the release of Zia.

Zia has served as the prime minister of the country twice from 1991-1996 and then from 2001-2006. She was convicted of corruption charges in 2018 and had been sentenced to 17 years in prison, as reported by Associated Press.

An Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has called for an end to violence in Bangladesh and expressed his concern for the recent attacks on minorities, reported news agency ANI.

In a statement, he said “The ongoing turmoil engulfing Bangladesh is horrific and a threat to its democracy. Last month, students led protests for civil reforms, which was followed by deaths of hundreds and the persecution of minority populations, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.”

Bangladesh has suffered violent protests by students due to the job reservation system in government posts which was struck down by the country’s Supreme Court but the demonstrators demanded ouster of ex PM Sheikh Hasina’s government.

Situation in Bangladesh worsened and Hasina fled the country to India while the military took control of the country with an interim government in place.

In a televised address after taking charge, Yunus stated, "The brutal, autocratic regime is gone. Tomorrow, with the rising sun, democracy, justice, human rights, and full freedom of fearless expression will be enjoyed by all, regardless of party affiliation. That is our goal."

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday congratulated Professor Muhammad Yunus on being sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government and said that a swift restoration of peace in the country is the need of the hour.

In a post on X, Gandhi said, "Congratulations to Professor Muhammad Yunus on being sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government." He added, "A swift restoration of peace and normalcy is the need of the hour."

More than 50 prominent figures from West Bengal have written to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who recently took an oath as the head of the interim government, urging them to ensure the safety of all sections of society. Among the signatories are filmmaker Aparna Sen, educationist Pabitra Sarkar, and former Supreme Court judge Ashok Ganguly.

In their letter, they expressed concern over the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and praised instances where one community protected the places of worship of another. 

"The people of Bangladesh will decide what kind of political and administrative leadership will come in the country, but we appeal to both the current administration and also to the common people of Bangladesh, particularly the students who have brought about this change through the anti-quota and anti-discrimination movement, to ensure the safety and security of each Bangladeshi citizen irrespective of religion, political affinity and profession," the letter, written in Bengali, states.

"We are deeply concerned with the present developments in Bangladesh... Bangladesh is just not a neighbouring country for the people of West Bengal in terms of location, but also a neighbour at heart, as we share language, culture and history," it adds.

The personalities wrote the letter in response to the escalating situation, noting that they have been receiving calls from Bangladeshi friends around the world. A copy of the letter was also sent to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata.  (PTI)

On Thursday, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced that it is staying in contact with India to “monitor and respond” to the unfolding situation in Bangladesh. This follows a phone call between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, during which they discussed the situation in Bangladesh and West Asia.

While FCDO sources confirmed the call, they did not provide additional details about former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's rumoured plans to travel to London. An FCDO spokesperson stated, “The UK government remains in contact with the government of India and other partners in the region to monitor and respond to the latest events in Bangladesh.”

The FCDO referred to Lammy's earlier statement calling for a “full and independent UN-led investigation into the events of the past few weeks.” Speculation continues regarding Hasina's whereabouts following her flight from violent clashes in Dhaka; she is believed to be in a safe house in Delhi, India. (PTI)

On Thursday, Philipp Ackermann, Germany's envoy to India, stated that Germany has been closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh. He expressed hope that the military will ensure a "peaceful transition" to a civilian government in Dhaka as swiftly as possible. In an interview with PTI at the German embassy, Ackermann also described Muhammad Yunus's upcoming swearing-in as the head of the interim government as a "really good development."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to Mr. Yunus, expressing hopes for a swift return to normalcy in Bangladesh, which would also ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities. 

Posting on X, PM Modi wrote: “My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security and development.”

- Saleh Uddin Ahmed (Former Bangladesh Bank Governor)
- Dr. Asif Nazrul (Dhaka University Teacher)
- Adilur Rahman Khan (Secretary, Odhikar)
- AF Hasan Arif (Former Advisor to Caretaker Government and Former Attorney General)
- Tauhid Hossain (Former Foreign Secretary)
- Syeda Rizwana Hasan (Chief Executive, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, BELA)
- Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain (Former Election Commissioner)
- Farida Akhtar (Executive Director, Research on Development Alternatives, UBIG)
- Khalid Hasan (Former Naib Ameer of Hefazte Islam Bangladesh)
- Nur Jahan Begum (Former Managing Director of Grameen Bank)
- Brati Sharmin Murshid (Chief Executive Officer of Brati)
- Nahid Islam (Coordinator of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement)
- Asif Mahmud

Dr Muhammad Yunus was sworn-in as the chief advisor to the interim government on Thursday, President Shahabuddin administer the oath at Bangabhaban.

President Mohammad Shahabuddin and incoming chief advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus entered the hall as the swearing-in ceremony for the interim government commenced with the national anthem.

The oath-taking ceremony for the Interim government starts in Bangabhaban. 

Dr. Muhammad Yunus is set to take the oath as the chief advisor to Bangladesh's interim government. This move follows the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst widespread protests demanding her removal. As Dr. Yunus prepares to assume his new role, citing unofficial sources Prothom Alo newspaper, have revealed a list of additional advisors expected to join him in the interim government.

The other advisors are:

1. Saleh Uddin Ahmed
2. Dr. Asif Nazrul
3. Adilur Rahman Khan
4. Hasan Arif
5. Touhid Hossain
6. Syeda Rizwana Hasan
7. Md Nahid Islam
8. Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan
9. Brigadier General (retd) M. Sakhawat Hossain
10. Supradip Chakma
11. Farida Akhter
12. Bidhan Ranjan Roy
13. AFM Khalid Hasan
14. Noorjahan Begum
15. Sharmeen Murshid
16. Faruk-e-Azam

Professor Muhammad Yunus started from his residence at around 8pm local time for oath-taking ceremony at Bangabhaban, Daily star newspaper reported.  

According to Prothom Alo newspaper, student leaders Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, who spearheaded the protests leading to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, will be included in the new caretaker government set to be sworn in on Thursday.

The Ministry of External Affairs announced on Thursday that the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh is expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus. 

"I saw reports that the swearing-in ceremony is to be held this evening. I don't know the exact time, somewhere around 8 o'clock. Diplomatic community members have been invited. It is likely that our High Commissioner will participate," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at the weekly press briefing.

In an emotional press conference at the airport, Yunus expressed gratitude to the youth behind the successful protest movement. "We have got independence for the second time. We have to protect this independence," he said. "The nation is in your hands now. Now you have to rebuild it as per your aspirations. You have to use your creativity to build the country. You have earned independence for the country," he added. 

Yunus stressed the need to form a government that ensures safety, calling on citizens to help avoid chaos created during the protests. "Bangladesh can be a very beautiful country and we can make it one," he remarked. He also paid tribute to Abu Sayed, who was among the first killed in police firing during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

Foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called him on Thursday and the two discussed the situation in Bangladesh, but he did not elaborate.

Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus is set to take on the role of head of the upcoming interim government. The government accommodation directorate has designated the state guest house Jamuna to serve as both his residence and office for this new position, Prothom Alo reported.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the situation in Bangladesh is still evolving. Speaking on a day an interim government is set to take oath in Dhaka, he said India hopes for early restoration of law and order in the neighbouring country.

Asked about the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, he said New Delhi is monitoring the situation. He added that the interests of the people of the neighbouring country are foremost as far as India is concerned.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has arrived in Bangladesh from Paris to take charge of interim government, PTI report said. The oath-taking ceremony will be held at 8 pm today, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman said during a press conference.

Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeed Wazed has blamed Pakistan’s ISI for fuelling unrest in Bangladesh. “Indian govt must build up international pressure for swift restoration of democracy in Bangladesh,”Joy told PTI. Indian visa application center announced that its offices in the country will remain closed till further notice.

As the interin government's swearing-in ceremony is set to take place today, Bangladesh Bank has limited cash withdrawals to Tk100,000 per account for Thursday only, citing security reasons. The directive issued yesterday is intended to prevent misuse of funds amid heightened security concerns.

Reports had surfaced that following the fall of Sheikh Hasina government, cash withdrawals witnessed a spike, especially among Awami League party leaders and business families. Bangladesh Bank made the move to prevent these funds from being used for terrorist or illegal activities, Dhaka Tribune report said.

Trade between India and Bangladesh through Petrapole land port resumed Thursday morning amid tight security. The trade had partially resumed through several land ports in West Bengal, except Petrapole on Wednesday.

"Trade began from Petrapole since morning. There was a meeting yesterday with stakeholders from both countries to resolve the stalemate," an official told PTI, declining to be quoted.

With PTI inputs

The situation remains grim in Bangladesh as several residents gathered in groups to guard the streets amid fears of robber and looting by criminals. Gangs of criminals have been looting and robbing homes in the absence of law enforcers over the past two days.

People are worried about their safety across the length and breadth of the country. Residents in many areas, including in Uttara and Mohammadpur, formed neighbourhood watch groups to stand guard, bdnews24.com news portal reported.

With PTI inputs

Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed on Thursday said she was "heartbroken" over the loss of lives in her country and added that she could not "see or hug" her mother during such a difficult time. "Heartbroken with the loss of life in my country Bangladesh that I love. So heartbroken that I cannot see and hug my mother during this difficult time. I remain committed to my role as RD," Wazed said in a post on X.

Wazed is the World Health Organization's (WHO) regional director for Southeast Asia and Hasina is currently staying in India.

With PTI inputs

Indian visa application center announced that its offices in the country will remain closed till further notice.

Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus will head to Bangabhaban from Dhaka airport. He left for Dhaka from Paris on Wednesday night.Citing a press release from Yunus Centre, Dhaka Tribune report said the Nobel laureate urged all students, political party members and non-political individuals to remain calm and refrain from all forms of violence. 

After tumultuous protests against job quota and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and escape from the country, Bangladesh gears up for the formation of a new, interim government today.

Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus will take oath today. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office to the new government.

The oath-taking ceremony will be held at 8 pm today, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman said during a press conference. According to Dhaka Tribune, Zaman said Dr Yunus is expected to arrive in Bangladesh around 2:10 pm and arrangements have been made for 400 people. Regarding the size of the interim government, Zaman said, “I believe it might initially consist of around 15 members. However, one or two more individuals may be added.”

Amid Bangladesh's political turmoil brewing instability in the country, over 200 prisoners managed to escape a high security prison in the east of Bangladesh, reported TASS news agency, quoting local media outlet.

According to the news website, the jailbreak occured at Kashimpur High Security Central Jail in Gazipur where 209 prioners managed to get away from the prison although six of them were reportedly shot down.

The jailbreak took place amid the violent protest in Bangladesh which has even ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had to fled the country and take refuge in India.

Military has taken over the command of the country and interim government is all set to come in place from today, under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Demonstrators have been protesting against a job reservation in government which was struck down by Bangladesh's Supreme Court.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus walks with his luggage at Charles de Gaulle's airport in Roissy, north of Paris, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo)

The Nobel Peace laureate tapped to lead an interim government in Bangladesh called for calm and boarded a flight on Wednesday to return home, a day before his new government is expected to be sworn in to replace ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Muhammad Yunus, 84, was picked by President Mohammed Shahabuddin to lead the new interim government, a key demand of student demonstrators whose uprising drove Hasina to flee to India on Monday.

"Let us make the best use of our new victory," he said in a statement to Reuters before departing Paris, where he had been receiving medical treatment while out on bail from criminal cases brought under Hasina. "I fervently appeal to everybody to stay calm. Please refrain from all kinds of violence."

Outside the airport, he told reporters: "I'm looking forward to going back home and see what's happening there and how we can organise ourselves to get out of the trouble that we're in."

"I'll go and talk to them. I'm just fresh in this whole area," said Yunus, an economist who was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for founding a bank that pioneered fighting poverty with small loans to ordinary people.

President Shahabuddin said the rest of the interim government needed to be finalised soon to overcome the crisis and pave the way for elections. Nahid Islam, a key student leader, said he expected the members to be chosen by late Wednesday.

(Reuters)

Amid a political turmoil in Bangladesh, India’s aviation leaders Air India and Indigo operated special flights to capital city Dhaka and brought back over 400 people, reported PTI.

Earlier, both Air India and Indigo had suspended their flights to and from Dhaka.

In the aftermath of the renewed violent protest which has claimed over 300 lives, the demonstrators were clear with their demand to oust former PM Sheikh Hasina and her party Awami League from power.

The protest started against the job reservation system in government wherein 30 percent of the jobs were reserved for the war heroes’ family who fought in the 1971 Bangladesh independence war.

Demonstrators even ransacked the residence of former PM Hasina who had left Dhaka for New Delhi on Monday. She is yet to seek asylum anywhere in the world.