An interim govt will run Bangladesh, says army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman

He urges calm from all sides, asking them to refrain from clashes and vandalism

Bangladesh’s Chief of Armed Forces Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman has announced the formation of an interim government to rule the country after the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In a televised statement around 4pm on Monday, the army chief urges all sides to remain calm and refrain from clashes and vandalism.

He also vowed that the interim government will ensure justice for about nearly 300 people killed in the recent violence surrounding the quota reform protests and subsequent anti-government movement.

The army chief said that he would take the proposal for the interim government to President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

On the second day of the student-led antigovernment movement called by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, students and citizens took to the streets to march Dhaka, leading Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign.

Following her exit, the army chief held a meeting with leaders of political parties.

He stated, "If we work together, we will move towards a better situation. We will gain nothing from violence. Refrain from destruction and chaos. Together, we can build a better future. Every murder will be tried."

He added that after Hasina stood down, discussions were under way with leaders of the political parties and civil society to form an interim government.