Bangladesh military chief Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman on Monday announced a transitional government after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country due to violent nationwide protests.
Hundreds of people were killed and wounded during the protests since July, which first called for the abolition of quotas in government jobs and later the resignation of the Hasina, who had been in power since 2009.
The 76-year-old is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh.
In an address to the nation after meeting political party leaders, Zaman called for peace and said there would be “no need” of martial law if normalcy returns to the South Asian nation. He pledged to probe deaths of the protesters.
Hasina is said to have fled to neighboring India, and has not issued any statement yet.
Earlier, students had pushed back any possibility of a military takeover. Asif Mahmud, a key coordinator of the ongoing demonstrations, said in a social media post that students "won’t accept military takeover."
The South Asian country has seen renewed protests, calling on the government to step down. Violent protests in July had earlier sought the abolition of the quota system in government jobs.
Students have pushed back any possibility of a military takeover. Asif Mahmud, a key coordinator of the ongoing demonstrations, said in a social media post that students "won’t accept military takeover."
At least 93 people have been killed in the fresh protests, hospital sources have told Anadolu.
Protests, led mostly by students, plan to hold a long march to Dhaka, but the government has imposed an indefinite curfew.
Hasina on Sunday threatened to use a “heavy hand” against those who commit “terrorism” or “spread anarchy” in the country.
Earlier in the day, authorities partially restored internet as thousands of protesters converged in the capital. Mobile internet, however, remains suspended.