Parliament dissolved, talks on interim govt on 

President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the 12th National Parliament on Tuesday after Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled the country on Monday in the face of mass upsurge.

According to a gazette notification from the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, the dissolution was executed in accordance with Article 48(3) of the constitution.

A press release from the president's residence, Bangabhaban, said that the decision was made based in consultations with the heads of the armed forces, leaders of various political parties, civil society representatives, and leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

A meeting of the student leaders with the president was underway while filing this report at 10:30pm on forming an interim government. 

Earlier, student leaders issued an ultimatum to dissolve the parliament by 3pm, threatening strict measures if their demand was not met.

Following Sheikh Hasina's resignation, Army Chief of Staff Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that an interim government would be formed to administer the country. 

Although the constitution requires consulting the prime minister before dissolving parliament, Sheikh Hasina did not have the opportunity to formally submit her resignation to the president before leaving the country. 

In this situation, the president can dissolve parliament using "discretionary power or inherent power" as outlined in Article 48(3) of the constitution.

Article 123 of the constitution stipulates that national elections must be held within 90 days of the dissolution of parliament, whether due to the expiration of its term or other reasons.

Prominent lawyer Shahdeen Malik told TBS that Bangladesh's constitution does not provide for the formation of a caretaker government. According to the constitution, the government must be formed from among the parliamentarians.

He added, "The current people's uprising has created a demand for urgent reforms in the country. These reforms are crucial at this time, given the unprecedented situation. Therefore, a swift system is needed to implement these changes."

Malik also suggested that once the necessary reforms are completed, the constitution should be amended to legitimise these changes, similar to how the fifth and sixth amendments were made.

Noor Khan, former executive director of Ain O Shalish Kendra, said a country cannot function without a government and therefore, a new government should be established as soon as possible.

He said, "The current situation is unprecedented for Bangladesh. As a result, not everything can be strictly adhered to according to the constitution or the law. Constitutions and laws are designed for the welfare of the people, so decisions must now be made based on the immediate needs of the people and the country."

Yunus 'ready' to head interim govt

On Monday, the president met with several political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat, as well as representatives of the protesting students. Additionally, he held a meeting with the student movement coordinators on Tuesday.

Early on Tuesday morning, the coordinators expressed their preference for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus to head the interim government.

Later, Muhammad Yunus said that he is ready to head an interim government in Bangladesh after mass demonstrations forced longtime ruler Sheikh Hasina to flee the country.

"I am honoured by the trust of the protesters who wish for me to lead the interim government," he said in a written statement to AFP.

"If action is needed in Bangladesh, for my country and for the courage of my people, then I will take it," he said, also calling for "free elections."

Calls louder to form interim govt quickly 

The call for forming an interim government grew louder yesterday as the law and order situation deteriorated nationwide following the fall of the government and Sheikh Hasina's departure from the country.

The ISPR announced the lifting of the curfew at 6am and declared that all offices, courts, banks, insurance companies, and schools would reopen.

Despite most Secretariat officials being present, they left the office by 12pm, and the police went on strike. The upazila and district administrations were also inactive.

The day after Sheikh Hasina's departure, Bangladesh found itself without a functioning government, and government offices remained idle.

In light of the current situation, various parties have called for the formation of an interim government to prevent potential political chaos and worsening law and order in the country.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir demanded the establishment of an interim government by last night and called for elections to be held within three months.

Prominent economist Debapriya Bhattacharya also recommended the prompt formation of an interim government.

Additionally, a three-member team led by AK Azad, Managing Director of Hameem Group and former FBCCI President, met with the president to discuss measures to ensure the safety of the country's industries.

The Awami League secured an absolute majority in the 12th parliamentary elections held on 7 January, amid the exclusion of the BNP and like-minded parties. The party won 222 of the 299 seats contested. Sheikh Hasina was sworn in as prime minister on 11 January, leading a government with 25 ministers and 11 state ministers.

On 15 January, President Mohammed Shahabuddin exercised his constitutional powers to convene the first session of the 12th Parliament, which was held on 30 January. The third and final session of the 12th parliament concluded on 3 July.