News Brief
Bangladesh's Interim Government Swearing-In Today Amid Hasina’s Asylum Plans In UAE, Saudi Arabia— All About It
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
The swearing-in ceremony of the new interim Bangladesh government, led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, will be held on Thursday (8 August) evening.
Bangladesh's President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath of office to the new administration.
On Wednesday, a court overturned Yunus' conviction in a labour case in which he was handed a six-month jail sentence in January, following which he is returning to Bangladesh from Paris, where he was receiving medical treatment.
This comes after former prime Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday (5 August) evening and fled the country amid violent protests in the country.
Hasina, who is currently in India, and is reportedly considering taking refuge in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Finland after failing to secure asylum in UK.
After 17 years, Bangladesh is once again preparing for the inauguration of an interim government following the sudden end of the Awami League's rule.
The situation led Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman to step in and consult with political leaders, civil society, and student groups.
Together, they decided to form an interim government.
In response to demands from political parties, President Shahabuddin dissolved parliament on Tuesday and appointed Yunus to head the interim government.
Student representatives proposed that Yunus lead the interim government, and President Shahabuddin agreed to their proposal.
In 2007, the last caretaker government, led by Fakhruddin Ahmed, took office after the turmoil preceding 11 January, known as 1/11.
Most political parties in Bangladesh have welcomed the new interim government, except for the outgoing Awami League, which has not commented since its regime ended on Monday.
The Bangladesh's Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that the interim government’s oath-taking ceremony will take place at 8 pm today, Dhaka Tribune reported.
The interim government is likely to have about 15 members.
The interim government’s chief adviser will have the status of a prime minister, while the other advisers will hold ministerial ranks.
Meanwhile, Indian security forces remains on alert amid developments in the neighbouring country.
"The Bangladeshis had gathered at the border, but none were able to enter India as the border was completely sealed. They were later taken back by the BGB," a BSF official said.
