President Mohammed Shahabuddin, through the issuance of an executive order, has dissolved the National Parliament following a crucial meeting with key stakeholders, including the chiefs of the three armed forces, leaders of various political parties, civil society representatives, and coordinators of the Baishamya Birodhi Chhatra Andolan.
The announcement was made through a press release from the Bangabhaban on Tuesday.
This decision has been accompanied by significant political developments as BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been released, and the government has begun releasing individuals detained in connection with the student movement and various other cases.
This parliamentary dissolution follows an ultimatum from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which demanded the dissolution by 3pm, warning of severe actions if their demands were not met.
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.
After the president’s order, the movement welcomed the decision as one of the coordinators, Sarjis Alam, said, “We welcome the dissolution of the parliament. However, there is a need to amend certain important parts of the constitution.”
The coordinator has also demanded the release of individuals imprisoned not only due to the quota reform movement but also for political or other reasons.
Notably, the student platform has approached Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus to assume the role of chief advisor for the interim government. Several media outlets have reported that Prof Yunus has responded positively to the students' request.
Amid nationwide protests against Sheikh Hasina’s tyrannical rule, the Awami League supremo fled to India after resigning from the position of prime minister on Monday. With Hasina's insulting ousting, her 15-and-a-half-year rule crumbled to an end.
As the rest of the pack are trying to flee the country following their leader, the process of forming an interim government has begun to govern the state amid a stark power vacuum.
