Bangladesh Crisis: Interim Government Likely To Be Formed Today Amid Major Changes In Army

Bangladesh is expected to form an interim government on Tuesday after dissolving parliament and reshuffling the army. BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was freed the day after Sheikh Hasina fled the nation.

The formation of a new interim government in Bangladesh is expected to take place on Tuesday, following significant developments including a major reshuffle in the army and the dissolution of parliament. This comes as Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin has dissolved the national parliament to facilitate the establishment of an interim administration. This decision follows a meeting involving the heads of the three armed forces, leaders from various political parties, civil society representatives, and leaders of the Students Against Discrimination movement, as detailed in a press release from the president’s office.

The Bangladesh Army has announced a top-level reshuffle, with Major General Ziaul Ahsan being relieved from service.

Key appointments include Lieutenant General Md Saiful Alam moving to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Lieutenant General Md Mojibur Rahman taking over as GOC of the Army Training and Doctrine Command. Other appointments include Lieutenant General Ahmad Tabrez Shams Chowdhury as Quartermaster General of the Army, Lieutenant General Mizanur Shamim as Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Mohammad Shaheenul Haque as Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), and Major General ASM Ridwanur Rahman as Director General of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), according to Dhaka Tribune.

Sheikh Hasina's Rival Begum Khaleda Zia Freed

Former Bangladesh prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia was freed earlier today. The process of releasing individuals detained during the student movement and other cases between July 1 and August 5 has commenced, with many already freed, the Bangladesh President Office release informed.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin issued her release order just hours after her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina fled the nation.

Shahabuddin's decision to release Khaleda Zia follows a meeting on Monday with Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, along with the heads of the navy and air force, and top leaders of opposition parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Khaleda Zia is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital. 

Khaleda Zia had been under house arrest following a temporary release from jail granted on March 25, 2020, due to the pandemic. Her imprisonment, which began on February 8, 2018, stemmed from a conviction in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case, with her sentence extended to ten years on October 30, 2018.