The coordinator of anti-discrimination student movement spoke to the journalists. Nahid Islam. Bangabhaban, Dhaka Photo: Collected
Coordinator of anti-discrimination student movement. Nahid Islam said, Nobel laureate economist Dr. as the chief advisor of the interim government. The name of Muhammad Yunus has been suggested. The President also agreed to this proposal. An interim government headed by him will be formed as soon as possible. A preliminary list of these governments is given. Where there is student representation along with civil society. This list will be finalized after discussion with various political parties very soon.
Nahid said these words after the meeting of representatives of the anti-discrimination student movement with the President and the heads of the three forces at Bangabhaban on Tuesday night. He said, ‘We the coordinators and the liaison committee of anti-discrimination student movement along with our respected teachers Professor Asif Nazrul and Professor Tanjim Uddin Khan came to Bangabhaban. We had a fruitful discussion with His Excellency the President with the Army, Navy and Air Force Chiefs on the current situation. We have received an assurance from the Bangabhavan that the proposed government will be the final interim government proposed by the student and citizen revolutionaries.
Nahid Islam also said, ‘There will be a call to all, today we have discussed the current situation of the country with the chief of the three forces and the president. They honored the student-citizens who had revolted. He also expressed deep concern about the anarchic situation in the country. We call upon all, that the interim government proposed by the revolting student-mob be announced as soon as possible. So that the people have that trust.’
Calling for the protection of state assets and minority communities, Nahid Islam said, ‘We must protect the infrastructure, state assets and minority communities. The police and law enforcement forces will be reorganized and deployed to restore peace and order among the people as soon as possible. Student citizens have taken charge of the traffic in Dhaka city even today, guarding the temple is appreciated by all. We have to be vigilant until law and order returns to the country. To avoid any kind of vandalism, looting should be guarded, alert position should be kept. We will build the new Bangladesh by forming the country together.’
Nahid Hossain said that a list of 10 to 15 people has been given for the interim government. But that is elementary. It will be finalized soon. He mentioned that the interim government will be announced with that list within 24 hours.
Dr. Yunus is currently based in France. When journalists asked when he will come to the country, Nahid Islam said, ‘He (Dr. Yunus) has had a minor operation. He will leave for the country tomorrow. Perhaps you will arrive in the country tomorrow night or the next morning. By this time our list will also be finalized. Maybe we can do the swearing in of the full interim government in 24 hours or more.’
Regarding the attack on various media, Nahid Islam said, ‘We are calling everyone to maintain a peaceful environment. Students have made a coup, it is their responsibility to protect it and form a new Bangladesh. We have seen various sabotages, planned attacks and attempts to sabotage this movement. Everyone will be urged to stop such attacks and looting. They will prevent this and will give full cooperation to the journalists. You will also guard the police stations if necessary. Those involved in genocide, corruption will be brought to justice. No one will take the law into their own hands. We don’t want revenge bloodshed. We want a peaceful Bangladesh.’
Apart from Nahid Islam, Dhaka University Law Department Professor Asif Nazrul spoke to reporters about the discussion of the meeting. Journalists want to know from Professor Asif Nazrul that according to the constitution, there is a provision to hold elections within 24 hours of dissolution of parliament. In this regard, he said, ‘We are going to form this government in an extraordinary situation. At this time, there is a constitutional tradition of giving legitimacy to the formation of the government in various ways. There are rules that will be followed. The term of the government has not been fixed yet.’
Asif Nazrul also said, ‘Our students, the coordinators according to their proposal. Yunus has been approved by the President as the head of the interim government. An announcement in this regard will come after he arrives (in the country).’
About the meeting, Professor Asif Nazrul said, ‘The chief of our army, navy and air force discussed very sincerely. We thank them.’