Unchained Begum Khaleda Zia
President Mohammed Shahab Uddin dissolved Bangladesh’s parliament after student protest coordinators issued an ultimatum. This ultimatum, along with the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday, triggered swift action. The president also declared the unanimous decision to release Khaleda Zia, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader. Zia, convicted in 2018 on graft charges, had been hospitalized due to health issues. She has consistently denied the charges.
A full presidential pardon
Zia’s release was officially confirmed with a full presidential pardon. Meanwhile, student protest leaders met with the army chief, Gen Waqar-u-Zaman, as the military announced plans to form an interim government following Hasina’s departure.
The military’s move
To form an interim government marked a significant turning point in the nation’s political crisis. The swift release of Begum Khaleda Zia symbolized a victory for the opposition and student protesters who had rallied against Sheikh Hasina’s government for months. With tensions at an all-time high, the streets of Dhaka and other major cities saw celebrations from Zia’s supporters, while others remained uncertain about the country’s future.
As the army took control of the government’s administrative functions, student leaders emphasized that their fight was far from over. They demanded free and fair elections, along with a complete overhaul of the political system. In response, Gen Waqar-u-Zaman assured the public that the military’s role would be temporary, only until stability was restored and democratic elections could be held.
The international community
The international community watched closely, with many expressing concern over the military’s involvement in governance. However, the general mood within Bangladesh seemed cautiously optimistic. For the first time in years, opposition forces felt empowered, and Zia’s release fueled hopes for a new political landscape.
In her first public statement after her release, Begum Khaleda Zia thanked her supporters and reiterated her innocence. She vowed to fight for the restoration of democracy and called on all political factions to unite for the good of the country. Zia’s message resonated deeply, especially with those disillusioned by Hasina’s long tenure in power.
Conclusion
The coming days would be critical in determining whether Bangladesh could peacefully transition to a new era or if further unrest lay ahead.
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