Dhaka: Demonstrators in Bangladesh have occupied Banga Bhaban, the presidential residence, calling for the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
Earlier this afternoon, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which played a pivotal role in the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, unveiled a five-point manifesto at a rally held at the central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.
In the ensuing hours, the group advanced towards Banga Bhaban, where they encountered resistance from the military, who erected barricades to impede their progress.
The demonstrators positioned themselves outside Banga Bhaban, engaging in vocal protests and slogans advocating for the President's resignation.
"The President is perceived as a loyalist to Hasina's authoritarian regime. His immediate resignation is imperative," a protester articulated.
Mohammed Shahabuddin, better known as Chuppu, is the 16th President of Bangladesh. A jurist and civil servant by profession, he was elected unopposed in the 2023 presidential election, representing the Awami League.
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has called for the abolition of the constitution drafted in 1972 and has advocated for the drafting of a new constitution for 2024.
Furthermore, the students have demanded the dissolution of the Bangladesh Chatra League, the student wing of the Awami League, and have called for the resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin.
They have expressed their belief that the elections held in 2024, 2018, and 2024 under Sheikh Hasina's leadership were illegitimate and that Members of Parliament who won in these elections should be disqualified. They have also called for the proclamation of the Republic in alignment with the spirit of the July-August uprising.
The protests, predominantly led by students in July, were a demand for the abolition of the quota system for government positions, which evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.
In response to the escalating protests, Sheikh Hasina submitted her resignation as the Prime Minister on August 5, leading to the establishment of an interim government.
Hasina, at the age of 76, fled to India on August 5, and the interim government was established under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. On August 8, Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus was inaugurated as the head of Bangladesh's interim government.
