Interim govt to be formed: Army Chief

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has announced that an interim government, with the participation of all parties, will be formed soon after Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina resigns from her post.

He said: “After holding a fruitful discussion with all political parties, we have decided to form an interim government. We will speak with President Mohammed Shahabuddin now to resolve the situation.”

He called for a halt to all violence in name of protest and promised that the new government will ensure justice for all the deaths that took place during the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement.

"I have requested Dr Asif Nazrul, Professor of DU Law department, to calm protesting students down since he is acceptable and honorable among the students,"  Waker told.

"I have met several party leaders and we have decided to form an interim government to run this country. I take all responsibility and promise to protect your life and property. Your demands will be fulfilled. Please support us and stop violence. If you work with us, we can move towards a proper solution. We cannot achieve anything through violence," he said.   

He said it is everyone’s responsibility to help the Army to bring the situation under control soon.

Earlier, the Army Chief had a meeting with representatives from the civil society and some opposition leaders. There was no one from Awami League in the meeting, said the Army Chief.

“I have ordered the army and the police to not open fire. We will try to reach a solution by tonight,” he added.

“Now it is the responsibility of students to help the army,” he said.

The Army Chief said Dr Asif Nazrul conveyed a message to students and hoped that students will remain calm.

“He (Asif Nazrul) sent a good message to students in front of me. We will hopefully head towards a good situation,” he said.

“If peace is restored, there is no need for a curfew. I hope the situation will improve with my speech,” he said.

Sheikh Hasina, who started her fifth term as Prime Minister earlier this year, left capital Dhaka in a military helicopter and may be headed to a safer location in India, reports Indian media outlet.