Army to form interim government
90 people including 13 police personnel killed and injured in violent clashes
AMN / BSS DHAKA
BANGLADESH Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman in an address to the countrymen today said an interim government will be formed to run the country as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned from her post.
“We have held a fantastic discussion. We have decided to form an interim government,” he said after holding a meeting with leaders of different political parties at the Army Headquarters this afternoon.
All activities of the country will now be operated by the interim government, the army chief said.
“We will now go to the Honorable President to discuss the formation of the interim government through which the country will be run,” Waker-Uz-Zaman said and vowed to hold trials of all killings and injustice.
“Please, keep trust in the army and the armed forces. I am taking all the responsibilities and vowing to protect people’s lives and properties. You should not lose hope. We will fulfill every demand of you and restore the peace and law and order, Insha’Allah,” he said.
The Army Chief urged the people to cooperate with the armed forces and refrain from vandalism, killings and clashes.
Seeking cooperation from all corners, including political parties, media and civil society members, he said, “Please, cooperate with me. We could not achieve anything more following the path of clash. So, please, refrain from all sorts of destruction, anarchies and conflicts. Insha’Allah, we will go forward to a beautiful future.”
Waker-Uz-Zaman urged the people to be patient and give sometimes to resolve the crisis.
“Please, you should not go through the path of clash and return to the path of peace and discipline,” he said, adding that the country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, many people have been killed.
Replying to a question over whether the curfew would continue, the Army Chief said if the situation improves, there is no need for any curfew and emergency.
“I order army and police personnel not to open fire. I hope after my speech, the situation will improve as we are marching towards a beautiful environment,” he added.
Meanwhile jubilant protesters stormed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s official residence Ganabhaban after she left the country this afternoon.
Jubilant looking crowds waved flags, some dancing on the streets of Dhaka on Monday morning, before hundreds broke through the gates of Hasina’s official residence.
Around 90 people including 13 police personnel, were killed and scores injured yesterday in the widespread violent clashes amongst protesters, members of law-enforcement agencies and members of ruling party-backed organisations across the country amidst the ongoing non-cooperation movement. The organisers of Anti-discrimination Student Movement, who spearheaded the quota reform protests, began a countrywide non-cooperation movement yesterday to protest the recent killings and press home their one-point demand – resignation of the government.
Thirteen policemen were killed in attacks by miscreants in Enayetpur Police Station of Sirajganj district and one was at Eliotganj Highway Police Station under Cumilla district today.
Police Headquarters confirmed the news of the death at a press release.
The release said more than 300 policemen were injured across the country.
In different parts of the country, several police stations and government establishments were also attacked and vandalized.