US Commends Bangladesh Armys Restraint After PM Sheikh Hasina Flees Amidst Crisis

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Explore the dramatic events leading to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and the formation of an interim government in Bangladesh. Learn how the US commended the Bangladesh Army for its restraint and urged for a democratic transition amidst a political crisis.

US Commends Bangladesh Armys Restraint After PM Sheikh Hasina Flees Amidst Crisis

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US Commends Bangladesh Army for ‘Restraint’ After PM Sheikh Hasina Flees

In a significant turn of events, the United States government has commended the Bangladesh Army for demonstrating restraint following the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This development came amid escalating violence and nationwide protests demanding Hasina’s resignation, which had grown from grievances over job quotas to a full-blown political crisis.

Background of the Crisis

The crisis in Bangladesh began with student protests against preferential job quotas, which reserved a substantial portion of government jobs for certain groups. These protests quickly escalated into a broader movement calling for the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had won a fourth consecutive term in January in an election boycotted by the opposition. The U.S. State Department had previously expressed concerns about the January elections, citing reports of irregularities and violence.

The protests reached a boiling point with violent crackdowns that resulted in hundreds of casualties, marking some of the worst violence in Bangladesh since its independence over five decades ago.

Resignation and Formation of Interim Government

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of the Bangladesh Army, announced in a televised address that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had resigned and fled the country. He also declared the formation of an interim government, which is expected to oversee the transition to a more stable and democratic governance structure.

The U.S. government has emphasized the need for this interim government to be formed democratically and inclusively. A White House spokesperson remarked, “The United States has long called for respecting democratic rights in Bangladesh, and we urge that the interim government formation be democratic and inclusive. We commend the Army for the restraint they have shown today.”

U.S. and International Reactions

The White House and the U.S. State Department have both called for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to peace. They urged all parties involved to refrain from further violence and work towards restoring stability.

“We welcome the announcement of an interim government,” a State Department spokesperson said. This sentiment was echoed by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who emphasized the need for a balanced interim government capable of organizing swift democratic elections. “PM Hasina’s violent reaction to legitimate protests made her continued rule untenable. I applaud the brave protestors and demand justice for those killed,” Schumer posted on the social media platform X.

The United Nations also weighed in, calling for calm and restraint. UN spokesman Farhan Haq urged all parties to respect the right to peaceful assembly and expression. He emphasized the importance of security forces protecting those exercising their democratic rights in Dhaka and other cities across Bangladesh.

Humanitarian Concerns

The political upheaval in Bangladesh has raised concerns about the ongoing humanitarian efforts, particularly those aimed at aiding Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh from neighboring Myanmar. Since 2017, the United States has provided over $2 billion in assistance to these refugees. The State Department, however, had no immediate comment on how the change in government might impact these programs.

The Path Forward

The formation of an interim government in Bangladesh is a critical step towards stabilizing the country and addressing the grievances that led to the protests. The international community, including the United States, has stressed the importance of a democratic and inclusive approach to forming this government.

The immediate focus remains on restoring peace and preventing further loss of life. The restraint shown by the Bangladesh Army has been a positive signal, but the situation remains fragile. The interim government will need to act swiftly and decisively to organize free and fair elections, which are crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring long-term stability.

Conclusion

The resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid violent protests mark a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political history. The commendation by the U.S. government of the Bangladesh Army’s restraint underscores the critical need for a peaceful and democratic transition. The formation of an interim government provides a pathway to restoring stability, but it will require careful navigation of the political landscape and a commitment to democratic principles. The international community will be watching closely, ready to support Bangladesh in its journey towards a more stable and democratic future.