Washington, August 6:
On Monday, the US urged Bangladesh to remain calm and emphasized the importance of a democratic and inclusive process to form the interim administration. In separate statements, the US Department of State and the White House reiterated Washington's call for an immediate end to violence and the immediate restoration of calm.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh announced her resignation and subsequent departure from her position, and this follows her announcement.
In a nationally broadcast speech, Bangladesh's army chief, General General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced Hasina's resignation and proclaimed the formation of an interim administration.
Prime Minister Hasina has resigned and left Bangladesh, as we have all seen in the announcement. We are keeping a close eye on the situation. In solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, the US stands behind them. There should be no more bloodshed, and we ask that all sides respect this. After so many tragic deaths in recent weeks, we ask that everyone exercise patience and restraint in the days to come. During a conference on Monday afternoon, US State Department spokeswoman Matthew Miller told reporters that the announcement of interim government was welcomed.
We demand an immediate end to hostilities and a commitment from all sides to end the violence. An official from the White House's National Security Council praised the troops for their composure today.
The United States is now committed to putting an end to the bloodshed, and the US State Department has expressed its sorrow over the situation.
The victims of the tragedy that has unfolded over the past several weeks have our deepest sympathies. Right now, we're working to ensure that the violence stops and that those responsible are held accountable. Miller emphasized that the democratic values, rule of law, and will of the people of Bangladesh should guide all choices concerning the interim administration.
After hundreds of people were killed in a crackdown on protests that started as protests against employment quotas and turned into a movement seeking Hasina's ouster, she stepped down as prime minister.
The United States subsequently demanded that Bangladesh uphold democratic rights after she won a fourth consecutive term in January.
The State Department had earlier this year expressed worry over claims of vote irregularities and violence, and stated that the elections were not free and fair.
In a similar vein, US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for the formation of a fair interim administration in Bangladesh that could organize new democratic elections without delay.
The continuation of Prime Minister Hasina's administration became untenable due to her brutal response to lawful rallies. Honor the courageous demonstrators and seek redress for the victims. The establishment of a fair interim government that upholds everyone's rights and quickly sets up democratic elections is of the utmost importance," Schumer wrote on X.
Clashes in Dhaka on Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least 95 people, including 14 police officers, and hundreds of injuries, according to local media site Prothom Alo. In other sections of Dhaka, there were reports of both celebrations and protests, with some protesters apparently celebrating Sheikh Hasina's resignation.
