Dhaka [Bangladesh]: Protesters in Bangladesh have escalated their demonstrations by seizing the area around Banga Bhaban, the presidential palace, demanding the immediate resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The protests, spearheaded by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, have been gaining momentum in recent months, initially targeting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Earlier on Tuesday, during a rally at the Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, the protesters outlined a 5-point list of demands, which includes the resignation of President Shahabuddin, the abolition of the 1972 Constitution, and a call for a new constitution that reflects the current political climate of 2024. By nightfall, the protesters moved towards the presidential palace, but their path was blocked by the army with barricades. Despite this, the protesters gathered outside Banga Bhaban, chanting slogans and accusing the President of being complicit in supporting Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime.
The student-led movement also demands the disbandment of the Awami League’s student organization, the Bangladesh Chatra League, and the disqualification of Members of Parliament elected in the controversial 2018 and 2024 elections. The protests initially began over grievances regarding the government’s job quota system but have since evolved into a broader anti-government movement.
The political landscape in Bangladesh has been shaken since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position on August 5, amid growing public unrest. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has taken charge, with Yunus sworn in on August 8. However, protests continue, with demonstrators now turning their focus on President Shahabuddin, further deepening the country’s political crisis.
