New Delhi: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday evening amid violent protests over the quota system. Hours after she fled the country, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman said that an interim government will take over.
In a televised address, General Waqar-uz-Zaman said, “I’m taking all responsibility (of the country). Please cooperate.” The Army chief said that he had held meetings with political leaders to apprise them that the Army would take charge to maintain law and order.
What does an interim government mean?
Interim means something that is intended to function until something permanent takes shape. The interim government in Bangladesh will work during the transition as the Army takes over till a new government is set up. The interim government will function during the transitional phase. The interim government or transitional government aims at restoring order and prevent chaos in the system.
Interim government in India in 1946
An interim government was formed in India on September 2, 1946. It was led by Jawaharlal Nehru. It was set up as the country transitioned from a British colony to an independent Republic. This interim government was formed to monitor the transition. It was set up from the Constituent Assembly which was elected in August 1946.
Agenda of interim government in Bangladesh
The interim government would aim at ensuring that the law and order situation doesn’t deteriorate further in Bangladesh and the protesters are heard. It will address the burning issues and bring about a solution to the problems facing the country, including its economy.
Who are the key members in interim government?
Dr Salimullah Khan: He is a Bangladeshi writer, academic, teacher, and intellectual.
Justice (Rtd.) MA Matin: Former judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
Dr Asif Nazrul: He is a professor of Law at the University of Dhaka.
Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman: Economist and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Assistance Committee (BRAC) chairperson.
Matiur Rahman Chowdhury: Journalist and editor-in-chief of the Manab Zamin, a Bengali tabloid.
Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya: Economist and former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the WTO and UN Office in Geneva.
Justice (Rtd.) Md. Abdul Wahhab Miah: Senior judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
Brigadier General (Rtd.) M Sakhawat Hossain: Former Election Commissioner of Bangladesh
Prof Ananda Kumar Saha: Former Pro VC, Rajshahi University
Dr Mahfuzul Haque: Former Environment Secretary, Government of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Political crisis: Full coverage
Bangladesh Protests News LIVE: Follow live updates
Democracy shamed or Dictatorship challenged? As PM Hasina flees, what’s way forward for Bangladesh
What is happening in Bangladesh as protesters storm PM Palace, Sheikh Hasina flees country
‘It’s not a coup, interim govt to be formed soon’, says Bangladesh Army chief Waker uz ZamanSheikh Hasina
‘Sheikh Hasina is like Frankenstein, she created monsters’: Taslima Nasreen
Sheikh Hasina: All you need to know about Bangladesh’s five-time Prime Minister