Bangladeshi Actor Shanto and Father Killed: Protesters Torch Hasina Party Leader’s Hotel, 24 Dead

Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Appointed as Interim Head of Bangladesh Government

Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the interim head of the Bangladeshi government. This information was provided by President Shahabuddin’s press secretary late Tuesday night. The decision was made during a meeting between President Shahabuddin and student leaders following the dissolution of parliament. The heads of all three armed forces were also present at the meeting.

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to stay in India for a few days. Her hopes of seeking asylum in Britain appear to be fading, as the UK government has indicated that legal action could be taken against her due to protests in Bangladesh if she reaches Britain.

According to PTI news agency, Sheikh Hasina has been moved to a secure location. At the same time, some media reports claim that the United States has canceled Sheikh Hasina’s visa. Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has also been released.

On Monday, there was significant violence during a two-month-long protest against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh. Following this, she resigned from her position and arrived in India. NSA Ajit Doval spoke with her for almost an hour at Hindon Airbase.

In an all-party meeting in India on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Jaishankar said, “Sheikh Hasina is in shock. The government is giving her some time before any discussions. She will decide on her future.” Speculations suggest that she may go to London or Finland.

Highlights

• The President ordered the release of former Prime Minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia from prison. She was sentenced to 17 years in jail in 2018 for a corruption-related case.
• Protesters stormed the Prime Minister’s residence on Monday, committing vandalism and arson.
• On Monday, 400,000 people took to the streets in the capital, Dhaka, causing destruction in various areas.
• Clashes between police and protesters on Monday resulted in six deaths. Protesters seized control of two highways. So far, 300 people have died, most of them students.
• In India, the BSF has increased alertness along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam, and Mizoram.
• The Bangladeshi army held a meeting with the leaders of major political parties in the country and proposed an 18-member interim government.
• India has canceled all trains to Bangladesh. Air India and IndiGo have canceled their regular flights to Dhaka.
• On Monday evening, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar updated PM Modi on the situation. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also met with the Foreign Minister.