Dr. Yunus to head interim govt

An interim government headed by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus will be formed to govern Bangladesh and hold fair polls following the fall of Hasina regime in a student-mass uprising.
Anti-discrimination student movement coordinator Nahid Islam disclosed the development at a press conference on Tuesday night after a meeting at Bangabhaban.
A 13-member team of the student movement coordinators started the meeting with President Shahabuddin Ahmed at 6:00pm in presence of chiefs of three services.
Two Dhaka University teachers - Prof. Asif Nazrul and Prof. Tanjimuddin also attended the meeting.
They handed the President a list of other members of the interim government. The list will be finalised in consultation with other political parties and stakeholders.
The list was prepared with representation from the civil society and students, among others, said Nahid Islam.
About selection of the interim government members, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir earlier on the day said that he had the full confidence on the student movement coordinators.
Nahid expressed his hope that the list would be finalised within 24 hours.
When asked about Dr. Muhammad Yunus, he said the Nobel laureate was staying abroad as he underwent an operation.
He would be able to arrive in the country today (Wednesday), Nahid added. On his arrival the list would be finalised.
Referring to incidents of violence, he urged all concerned to stay vigilant so that none could defray the hard-earned victory through any subversive acts. He urged all to stand by the minority community people and ensure their security and even guard the police stations along with the police personnel.
A three-member delegation led by former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) A K Azad joined the meeting to discuss what he told the newsmen ensuring law and order in industries.
Coordinators of the student movement earlier sought to have Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus as the head of interim government, which was agreed unanimously by different political parties.
Talking to AFP Dr Yunus said he was ready to head Bangladesh 'interim government'.
"I am honoured by the trust of the protesters who wish for me to lead the interim government," he was quoted as saying in a written statement to the news agency.
"If action is needed in Bangladesh, for my country and for the courage of my people, then I will take it," he said, also calling for "free elections".
Earlier in the afternoon on Tuesday, President Mohammad Shahabuddin dissolved the parliament elected amid opposition boycott.
The President also said those arrested from 1 July to 5 August are being released as well.
The President and the army chief Monday also held meetings with political parties and student coordinators to decide on the formation of the interim government, as a stop-gap measure.
Present at the meeting among political leaders were Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jatiya Party, Jamaat-e- Islami, Nagarik Oikya, Hefazat Islam, and Ganasanghati.
BSS adds: President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the 12th Jatiya Sangsad formed through the January 7 national election.
"President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the Jatiya Sangsad in line with the decision taken in the meetings with chiefs of three services, leaders of different political parties, representatives of civil society and leaders of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement," said a press release signed by Mohammed Shiplu Jaman, deputy press secretary of the press wing of the President's Office.
Besides, BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was freed. The process of releasing the people detained during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement from July 1, 2024 to August 5, 2024 has started and many of them have already been released, said the press release.

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