Unrest in Bangladesh, Protesters lay siege to Presidential Palace in Dhaka, submit five point agenda
In Bangladesh, the protesters in Dhaka sieged Banga Bhaban, the presidential palace, demanding the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, late last night The army blocked them with the barricade after the protesters took a stand outside Banga Bhaban and started chanting slogans demanding President's resignation.
Protesters in Bangladesh have surrounded the presidential palace, demanding the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The Anti-discrimination Student Movement has outlined a five-point agenda that includes the removal of the Awami League's student wing and the creation of a new constitution. Tensions escalated following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amidst the unrest.
On Tuesday, demonstrators rallied at the central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, where the Anti-discrimination Student Movement formally announced their demands, including the President's resignation. The protests began in July against the quota system for government jobs but evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations that ultimately led to Hasina's ousting in August. Initially, protesters had called for the Chief Justice's resignation, but their focus has now shifted to the President and constitutional reform.
The protests intensified as students gathered outside Banga Bhaban, chanting slogans against Shahabuddin. Late Tuesday night, demonstrators attempted to breach the gates of the presidential palace, but military forces blocked their path with barricades.
During the rally, a protester stated, "The President is a crony of Hasina's authoritarian government. He must resign immediately." Known as "Chuppu," Mohammed Shahabuddin is the 16th President of Bangladesh, having been elected unopposed in the 2023 presidential election as the Awami League's nominee.
The Anti-discrimination Student Movement has made specific demands, including the abolition of the 1972 Constitution and the establishment of a new constitution reflective of the current context. They also seek the disqualification of MPs elected in the 2018 and 2024 elections under Hasina's regime, labeling those elections as illegitimate. They are advocating for the announcement of a new proclamation of the republic that aligns with the spirit of the recent uprisings.
Initially sparked by the quota system protests in July, the demonstrations escalated to anti-government sentiments, culminating in Sheikh Hasina's resignation on August 5 and the formation of an interim government. Following Hasina's departure, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of this interim government on August 8.
Tensions reached a boiling point as protesters confronted security forces, leading to clashes. The police used sound grenades to disperse crowds, resulting in injuries among demonstrators. The Anti-discrimination Student Movement has set a seven-day deadline for Shahabuddin's resignation, with firm demands for the immediate abolition of the 1972 Constitution.
One of the movement's coordinators, Hasnat Abdullah, emphasized the necessity for a new constitution, stating, "The 1972 Constitution must be replaced to reflect the current political climate." Abdullah warned that if their demands are not met, protesters would return to the streets with renewed vigor.
As discussions continue regarding Shahabuddin's remarks about Hasina's resignation, legal advisors to the interim government have raised concerns about the validity of his statements. Constitutional expert Shahdhin Malik noted that while Parliament has the power to impeach the President, the current political climate may prompt the interim government to take decisive action outside of traditional legal frameworks.