Bangladesh faces a pivotal moment as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns and flees the country, following intense student-led protests and a violent crackdown that left hundreds dead. Initially fueled by discontent over a job quota system favoring descendants of 1971 independence fighters, the protests evolved into a broader call for Hasina’s departure.
In response, the military, under Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced the formation of an interim government. A crucial meeting is scheduled between the army chief and protest leaders, who have proposed Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as interim chief adviser. The United States, advocating for democratic elections, commended the military’s restraint, while the opposition’s Begum Khaleda Zia is set for release after being imprisoned on controversial charges since 2018.
The interim government faces the delicate task of balancing power while addressing the protesters’ demands and managing the aftermath of the violence. The World Bank, a key partner in Bangladesh’s development, is closely monitoring the situation’s impact on its projects. As the country stands at this crossroads, the hope for a new, democratic direction looms large. The transition period will be critical in determining Bangladesh’s future, as it seeks stability and justice in the wake of Hasina’s controversial tenure.
