Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin has dissolved parliament, meeting a key demand of student protesters who led demonstrations that ousted longtime ruler Sheikh Hasina. The announcement was made by the President’s press secretary, Shiplu Zaman.
The decision comes after Hasina’s departure from power on Monday, ending her 15-year second stint in office. She had dominated Bangladeshi politics for 20 of the last 30 years, inheriting her father’s political legacy.
The dissolution of parliament follows meetings with defense force heads, political party leaders, student leaders, and civil society representatives. The move aims to address the demands of student protesters, who had threatened further demonstrations if parliament was not dissolved.
Additionally, Begum Khaleda Zia, Hasina’s rival and a former prime minister, has been released from house arrest. The situation in Bangladesh remains fluid, with ongoing political unrest and a recent military takeover.