Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-uz-Zaman said that the country is going through a period of transition. I invited the leaders of all political parties. We had a nice discussion. It has been decided that an interim government will be formed. All activities of the country will continue under this interim government.
He further said, “I have ordered that there will be no more firing.” Army and police will not fire. He also said that every murder will be judged. He said these things in a press briefing at Senasadar on Monday at 4 pm. At that time, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan and Air Vice Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan were present by his side. Earlier, Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post of Prime Minister in the face of anti-discrimination student movement. He and his sister Sheikh Rehana fled the country. After that, the army chief held a meeting with the leaders of various political parties and prominent people about the situation. Later he gave a press briefing.
Regarding the interim government in the press briefing, the army chief also said, “We will go to the president.” I will talk to him about the formation of this interim government. The country will be governed by forming an interim government in consultation with him. In response to the question of how many members the interim government can have, he said, it is still very early stage. We will go to the President. It will be decided through discussion. I will go to the President today (Monday). I will try to solve it by night. It may take a day or two.
In response to the question of who was present in the meeting, Waqar-uz-Zaman said that Jamaat’s Amir, BNP’s top leader, Jatiya Party’s leader, representatives of civil society were there. There was no one from Awami League. Time was short. I told those I found. Mamunul Haque and Jonaid Saki of Hefazat Islam were also there. Dhaka University teacher Professor Asif Nazrul was also there. He also gave a message to the students of the quota reform movement, now the task of the students is to calm down and help us.
Urging the people to refrain from vandalism, killing, clashes and fights, the army chief said, “If you keep your word, let’s work together.” Undoubtedly, we will be able to move towards a beautiful outcome. I will not gain anything by fighting and conflict. So please refrain from destruction, chaos and conflict. Let’s move towards a beautiful future together. Waqar-uz-Zaman said that the discussion with the leaders of the political parties will be fruitful. The Prime Minister has resigned. We will form an interim government and conduct the work. Be patient, give time. Together we will be able to solve all the problems.
Waqar-uz-Zaman said that all killings and wrongdoings will be prosecuted, you have faith in the armed forces. We are taking all responsibility. I promise you, don’t be disappointed. We will fulfill all the demands. I will bring back peace and order in the country. Help us. Every murder will be judged.
Stating that the country is being damaged in the conflict, the army chief said that the financial resources are being damaged. People are dying. Don’t go on the conflict path. Returned to the path of peace and order. The army chief said that the army will continue to maintain peace and order and it is everyone’s responsibility to help the army. A curfew or state of emergency is not required if the situation is calm. I have ordered that there shall be no firing. Army, police will not fire any shot. Hopefully, the situation will improve after this statement. The army chief urged the protesting students to go back home.
Meeting of political leaders with army chief: BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Mirza Abbas; Jatiya Party GM Quader, Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Anisul Islam Mahmud; Maulana Mamunul Haque of Hefazat Islam, Professor of Law Department of Dhaka University. Asif Nazrul, Jonaid Saki of Mass Solidarity Movement, Amir Maulana Syed Faizul Karim of Islamic Governance Movement, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Hamidur Rahman Azad and other leaders participated in a meeting with Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman at the army headquarters on Monday to resolve the country’s political crisis. In the discussion, it was decided to meet the President and formulate the process and framework for the formation of the ‘Interim Government’.
At the end of the discussion, the army chief told the countrymen in a press briefing that all murders and injustices will be prosecuted, you should trust the army. He urged everyone to shun violence and resolve issues peacefully and return home. At the same time, he said that he will hold a meeting with student-teacher representatives soon. He said, the situation will return to normal soon. The army chief sought the cooperation of all the people of the country irrespective of party affiliation including students.