Bangladesh Crisis News: Army Chief Addresses The Nation, Pledges Full Investigation Into Killings

Bangladesh Crisis News: On Monday (August 5), it was confirmed by Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman that Sheikh Hasina had tendered her resignation as Prime Minister, and an interim government would be established to oversee the country.

This confirmation came after Hasina departed from the country, which followed significant violent protests. Reports from local media indicated that protesters had stormed the Prime Minister's Palace and engaged in looting.

Waker-uz-Zaman stated, "The resignation of PM Sheikh Hasina has been officially confirmed. An interim government will be put in place to manage the country. Efforts will be made to restore peace. Citizens are being urged to halt the violence. A thorough investigation will be carried out into all the killings that have occurred over the past few weeks."

The Army chief urged protesting students to remain calm and return home to end the conflict. "Main political party representatives participated in discussions with the Army. I request students to stay calm and head back home," he stated. Zaman also mentioned that he had instructed both the Army and police not to use any firearms.

The protests began peacefully with frustrated students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs. However, the demonstrations have since evolved into an unprecedented challenge and uprising against Hasina and her ruling Awami League party. Attempts by the government to quell the violence with force have resulted in nearly 300 deaths, further inflaming outrage and increasing calls for Hasina's resignation.

In recent weeks, at least 11,000 people have been arrested. The unrest has led to the closure of schools and universities across the country, and a shoot-on-sight curfew was imposed at one point.

A conversation was offered by Hasina to student leaders on Saturday, but a coordinator refused and announced a one-point demand for her resignation. Pledges to investigate the deaths and punish those responsible for the violence were repeated by Hasina, who stated her willingness to meet with the protesters whenever they wished.