Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff General Wakeruz Zaman has announced the formation of an interim government with participation from all political parties following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid escalating protests. Addressing the nation, General Zaman stated that this decision was made after discussions with all political factions and emphasized that the army will now oversee national decisions. He urged an end to the violence and assured that the interim government will pursue justice for the victims of recent protests.

Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position as Prime Minister after months in office, following intense demonstrations against her government’s job quota policies. The protests, which began in July, saw tens of thousands of people clashing with security forces, resulting in at least 98 deaths on Sunday and raising the total number of casualties to 300.

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The unrest, initially sparked by student groups’ opposition to government job quotas, led to widespread violence, with reports indicating that Hasina was pressured to resign by the army. After her resignation, Hasina left the country via military helicopter and traveled to India as protesters stormed her palace.

Previously, violence had erupted last month, claiming at least 150 lives and injuring thousands. Although the Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate most quotas temporarily halted the protests, students resumed demonstrations last week, seeking justice for the victims.