Dhaka: In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin has ordered the immediate release of former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The decision comes amid widespread political unrest and the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the military.
President Shahabuddin’s Unanimous Decision
President Shahabuddin’s press team announced on Monday that a high-level meeting had unanimously decided to free the ailing 78-year-old Zia. Khaleda Zia, who has been serving a 17-year prison sentence since 2018 for graft, is currently confined to a hospital due to her poor health.
The meeting, which was led by President Shahabuddin, included key figures such as Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, heads of the navy and airforce, and leaders from various opposition parties including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami party. The president’s press statement emphasized the urgency of Zia’s release given her critical health condition.
Khaleda Zia को jail से रिहा करने के आदेश
बांग्लादेश के राष्ट्रपति Mohammed Shahabuddin आज रात देश को सम्बोधित करेंगें #khalidazia #SheikhHasina #BangladeshViolence pic.twitter.com/149TV3ri82— Indiapost News (@IPNews_24) August 5, 2024
Military Takes Control
Earlier on Monday, General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced on state television that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had resigned and that the military would form a caretaker government. This announcement followed violent nationwide protests against Hasina’s government, which had escalated since early July.
In his broadcast, General Waker detailed the formation of an interim government aimed at stabilizing the country. The decision to free Zia and others arrested during recent student protests was part of broader efforts to quell the unrest.
Nationwide Protests and Political Turmoil
The protests against Hasina’s administration had reached a boiling point, culminating in a brutal clash on Sunday that resulted in nearly 100 deaths. Facing mounting pressure and an untenable situation, Hasina fled the country.
The release of Khaleda Zia and the formation of a caretaker government mark a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The move is seen as an attempt to restore order and address the demands of the protesters who have been calling for political change and the release of political prisoners.
Future Implications
The immediate release of Khaleda Zia is likely to have profound implications for Bangladesh’s political future. As a prominent opposition leader, Zia’s freedom could galvanize her supporters and reshape the opposition’s role in the country.
With the military now in control and an interim government in place, Bangladesh faces a critical juncture. The coming days will be pivotal in determining the country’s path toward stability and democratic governance.
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