Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin ordered the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, a key opposition leader, on Monday, just hours after her rival Sheikh Hasina was ousted and the military took control of the government.

In a dramatic turn of events, President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia during a meeting with political leaders and civil society representatives at Bangabhaban, accompanied by the chiefs of the three forces. Shortly before, the President revealed that he had accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which she had submitted to him, as he addressed the nation in a televised address.

“A decision has been taken to form an interim government as soon as possible by dissolving parliament. The army will also take measures to normalise the prevailing anarchic situation,” said the president.

The interim government will organise general elections as soon as possible, he stated.

Additionally, he announced that the meeting had unanimously decided to release Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who is currently under house arrest following convictions in multiple cases. President Shahabuddin also directed the release of all students detained during the ongoing protests.

Shahabuddin had “decided unanimously to free Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia immediately,” a press statement read.

Bangladesh unrest

The country descended into chaos as Prime Minister Hasina surreptitiously resigned and fled the country on a military aircraft, leaving the army to fill the power vacuum. As news of Hasina’s departure spread, hundreds of people stormed her residence, vandalizing and looting the interiors, dramatically highlighting the anti-government protests that have claimed more than 300 lives in the past two weeks.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army’s media wing, announced that a curfew would remain in effect from 12:00 am to 6:00 am on Tuesday. Army Chief Wakar-Uz-Zaman will soon meet with representatives of the students and teachers, according to an ISPR statement.

General Zaman also stated that all government and semi-government offices, private offices, factories, and educational institutions, including schools, colleges, madrasahs, and universities, will reopen on Tuesday.

(With PTI Inputs)