Interim government to run country, says army chief

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman in an address to the country's people said on Monday an interim government would be formed to run the country as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned from her post, reports BSS.

"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 in the afternoon.

All activities of the country would 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 some time to resolve the crisis.

"Please, you should not tread 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.

UNB adds: Dhaka University Prof. Asif Nazrul on Monday urged people and students to have patience and maintain discipline in the country.

At the same time, he also assured of moving forward in the right direction, saying great news awaits as per the aspirations of the students and people.

He made the call in a video message posted on his Facebook page today.

"We are now in a discussion with the Army Chief. It seems to me that he has understood the aspirations and expectations of our students and people," he said.