Bangladesh’s president dissolved parliament on Tuesday, addressing a key demand of student protesters who played a pivotal role in ousting longtime ruler Sheikh Hasina.
“The president has dissolved parliament,” stated Shiplu Zaman, press secretary to President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
The announcement also revealed that Begum Khaleda Zia, Hasina’s main rival and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson, has been released from house arrest.
Student protesters had warned of further demonstrations if parliament was not dissolved. The decision followed consultations with defense force leaders, political party heads, student leaders, and civil society representatives, according to the presidential statement.
Hasina’s departure on Monday concluded her 15-year second stint in power. Over the past 30 years, she had led the country for 20 years, continuing the political legacy of her father, state founder Mujibur Rahman, who was assassinated in 1975.
