- Rally held in Capital Dhaka to mark student-led movement.
- Interim leader Yunus to tackle crowds outside Parliament.
- Fallen autocrats who conspire to derail our progress, he warns.
DHAKA: Bangladesh’s temporary leader on Tuesday marked one year anniversary since the overturn of the autocratic regime in Sheikh Hasina by encouraging people to seize the “opportunity” for the reform.
But the Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, the 85-year-old, who leads the caretaker government as his main advisor, until elections also warned against those he said sought to roll back winnings.
“Today, marks an unforgettable chapter in Bangladesh’s story,” said Yunus, marking a day he said had led to “freeing our beloved nation from the grip of long -term fascist rule.”
The South Asian nation of about 170 million people has been in political turmoil since a student-led rebellion exposed the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, ending her 15-year-old rule.
The anniversary is a public holiday, and apart from scattered political events, the streets of the capital Dhaka, were quiet with many ordinary Bangladeshis who took the opportunity to relax.
Yunus will turn to crowds outside parliament in the early evening – where he is intended to issue a “proclamation” with leaders of the most important political parties.
Conspiracy to derail progress
Hasina’s rule experienced extensive human rights violations, including the mass prison and extracurricular killing of her political opponents, and Yunus has promised to undergo democratic institutions.
“Offering thousands has gifted us this rare opportunity for national reform, and we must protect it at all costs,” Yunus said in a letter posted to mark the anniversary.
“The fallen autocrats and their self -service allies remain active and conspire to derail our progress.”
But he said that although the preliminary government had made “extensive reform efforts”, an agreement on measures remained to prevent a return to authoritarian rule.
Efforts have made slow progress as political parties are bursting for power prior to the election intended for the beginning of 2026.
“Dialogue continues with political parties and stakeholders on necessary reforms, including the political and electoral systems,” he added.
