Thousands rally against interim govt in Bangladesh
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A Nation on Edge
On Tuesday evening, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which played a key role in the campaign against Hasina, organized a rally at Dhaka’s central Shaheed Minar. They announced a five-point list of demands, the first of which calls for Shahabuddin’s immediate resignation. Protesters gathered in front of Bangabhaban, the official residence of the president, with some attempting to enter the premises before being stopped by police.
Hasnat Abdullah, a key figure in the movement, stated, “Our first demand is the immediate scrapping of the pro-Mujib 1972 Constitution, which has kept Shahabuddin in office. The Constitution must be replaced in light of the 2024 mass upheaval.”
The Mystery of Hasina’s Resignation
The protests have been fueled by a recent interview President Shahabuddin gave to a local newspaper, where he stated that there was no documentary evidence of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Hasina had fled the country on August 5, 2024, amidst widespread protests and bloodshed. Over 300 people were killed as anti-government sentiment boiled over, driven by frustration with Hasina’s governance and her handling of job quotas.
While it was widely reported that Hasina resigned before leaving Bangladesh, Shahabuddin’s comments have cast doubt over this narrative. “I have heard that Sheikh Hasina resigned, but I have no evidence of it,” he revealed in the interview. This has raised questions about the legitimacy of the caretaker government now in place, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Why the Resignation Letter Matters
The absence of a formal resignation letter from Hasina is causing widespread debate. Without it, the legitimacy of Yunus’ caretaker government is being questioned, with critics accusing it of seizing power in a vacuum. Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen voiced her skepticism on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “The resignation letter is like a god—everyone says it exists, but nobody can show or prove it is there.”
Nasreen’s comment highlights the growing uncertainty surrounding the transfer of power. The missing resignation letter could undermine the entire political transition, which was supposed to restore stability after Hasina’s ousting.
Mobocracy Over Democracy?
As the 24-hour deadline looms, tensions are escalating in Bangladesh. Protesters have warned that they will return to the streets “with full force” if their demands are not met by the end of the week. What’s clear from the unfolding events is that democracy in Bangladesh has turned into mobocracy. The swift downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, followed by the pressure mounting on President Shahabuddin, suggests that decisions in the country are increasingly being driven by mobs rather than democratic institutions. This new wave of agitation raises significant concerns about the direction the nation is heading.
What’s Next for Bangladesh?
As the country braces for more protests, the current political climate is precarious. With the mystery of Hasina’s resignation still unresolved and growing pressure on the president, Bangladesh faces a period of uncertainty. Will President Shahabuddin step down to calm the unrest, or will the country be plunged into further turmoil?
All eyes are now on Dhaka as the nation waits for the next move.