Police Protests End in Bangladesh
The ongoing police protests in Bangladesh have ended following an agreement with the interim government, which has called on police to return to work on August 15, assuring them that most of their demands will be met, the Dhaka Tribune reported.
The police officers who agreed to end their actions returned to their duties as of today, while authorities announced that police officers who do not report to work by the specified date will be considered to have resignation. The General Directorate of Security announced that 599 police stations across the country were back in operation as of 15:00 local time yesterday. Traffic police officers have also resumed duty on roads that have been under the control of prosecutors for a long time.
Background to the Shows
Bangladeshi police announced last week that they would continue their strike until the safety of every officer was ensured. So what led to these demonstrations? Here is a brief summary:
- War of Independence Quote:The decision to allocate public quotas to the children of those who served in the 1971 War of Independence triggered a massive wave of protests in mid-July.
- Supreme Court Decision:At the end of July, the prosecutors ended their protests when the Supreme Court announced that it was reducing the quota rates.
- Incidents of Violence:Due to the violence that occurred during the demonstrations, the Jamaat-e-Islami Party and its student wing were banned. Protesters took to the streets demanding “justice” for those who lost their lives.
- Those Who Lost Their Lives:Hundreds of people were killed and thousands were detained in clashes during demonstrations in Bangladesh.
Government Response and Interim Administration
Following the escalation of violence, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to fly from her official residence to India by military helicopter. In the meantime, prosecutors stormed the Prime Minister’s official residence. Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who met with representatives of political parties, announced that Hasina had resigned and that an interim government would be formed.
Nobel Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus was sworn into office as the interim head of government on August 8. These developments are considered important steps towards reshaping the political atmosphere in Bangladesh and ensuring public security.
