Washington/Dhaka: The United States has praised the Bangladesh army for its “restraint” and called for the formation of a democratic interim government following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country. Hasina’s exit follows a brutal crackdown on protests that initially erupted over job quotas and escalated into a broader movement demanding her removal.
In a televised address, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Bangladesh’s army chief, announced Hasina’s resignation and the formation of an interim government. The White House issued a statement emphasizing the importance of a democratic and inclusive interim government. “The United States has long called for respecting democratic rights in Bangladesh, and we urge that the interim government formation be democratic and inclusive. We commend the Army for the restraint they have showed today,” a White House spokesperson said.
Both the White House and the State Department urged all parties to avoid violence and restore peace promptly. The State Department welcomed the formation of an interim government and expressed concerns about the recent violence.
The unrest began last month with student protests against job quotas reserved for specific groups and evolved into a larger campaign to oust Hasina, who had won a fourth consecutive term in a January election boycotted by the opposition. The State Department had criticized the election as neither free nor fair and condemned the violence surrounding it.
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The recent violence is among the worst seen in Bangladesh since its independence over five decades ago. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also called for a balanced interim government to ensure swift democratic elections. “PM Hasina’s violent reaction to legitimate protests made her continued rule untenable. I applaud the brave protestors & demand justice for those killed,” Schumer posted on social media platform X. “It’s critical to establish a balanced interim government that respects the rights of all & sets up democratic elections swiftly,” he added.
Washington has recently urged the Bangladeshi government to uphold the right to peaceful protest. “Too many lives have been lost already,” the White House spokesperson reiterated on Monday. “We express our deep concern and sadness about the reports of casualties and injuries over the weekend and past weeks.”
United Nations spokesman Farhan Haq also called for calm and restraint, urging all parties to respect the right to peaceful assembly and expression. “We urge security forces to protect those out on the streets of Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh,” Haq said.
When asked about the impact of the government change on programs aiding Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, the State Department spokesman had no immediate comment. The U.S. has provided over $2 billion in assistance to Rohingya refugees since 2017.
