President Mohammed Shahabuddin onn Tuesday dissolved the 12th parliament formed through the January 7 national election.
In a press release Bangabhaban said, “The decision to dissolve the parliament was taken following the president’s discussions with chiefs of three staffs of armed forces, leaders of different political parties, representatives of civil society and leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.”
The press release also said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was freed. Moreover, the process to release those arrested between July 1 to August has started, and many have already been released.
According to the constitution, a general election of the members of parliament shall be held in the case of a dissolution by reason of the expiration of its term within ninety days preceding such dissolution; and in the case of a dissolution otherwise than by reason of such expiration, within ninety days after such dissolution.
Earlier, coordinators of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement issued an ultimatum to the President to dissolve the Parliament by 3 pm on Tuesday.
“The Parliament of fascist Hasina has not been dissolved yet even after the mass upsurge. Tougher programme will be announced if the Parliament is not dissolved by 3 pm today. I urge the general people and students to stay prepared,” Coordinator Asif Mahmud said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
Coordinator Asif Mahmud also shared a similar post.
Nahid Islam, a key coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, announced in a late-night video message that Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has agreed to lead an interim government.
The full list of proposed interim government members will be disclosed on Tuesday morning, he said.
The student leaders have urged the President to establish this interim government with Dr. Yunus at its helm. “We want to see the process initiated by this morning,” Nahid stated emphatically.
This announcement follows the resignation of Sheikh Hasina on Monday, amid widespread protests and violence.
Besides, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday urged President Mohammed Shahabuddin to dissolve the Parliament immediately and form an interim government without further delay.
“The Parliament must be dissolved, followed by formation of an interim or neutral government within 24 hours as time is running out. Elections should be held within three months. Otherwise, a political vacuum may arise,” he told a press conference at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office in Dhaka.
Regarding the proposed outline of an interim government with Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus as the chief advisor, Fakhrul said, “We will propose names when the President calls us. We haven’t finalised any names yet, but we will inform you once we do.”
Calling upon everyone to avoid arrogant and vengeful actions, Fakhrul said, “I request everyone to stop vandalising and setting fire to various institutions. Those who engage in such acts are opponents of the movement and their associates.”
He also urged the BNP leaders and activists to maintain calm and resist those causing unrest.
