The political landscape in Bangladesh is undergoing yet another major upheaval as protests intensify against the current regime. Following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country has now witnessed massive demonstrations demanding the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin. On Tuesday, protesters from the Anti-discrimination Student Movement gathered outside the Banga Bhaban, the presidential palace, as they called for Shahabuddin's immediate resignation.

Late at night, tension escalated as the protesters moved towards Banga Bhaban, but were met with a robust military presence. The army erected barricades to prevent them from storming the palace, but this did little to quell the growing unrest. Students leading the protest stood firm, chanting slogans demanding that Shahabuddin step down, accusing him of being a "crony" of Sheikh Hasina’s previous government.

Mohammed Shahabuddin, often referred to as "Chuppu," has been a central figure in the country’s political dynamics. Elected as Bangladesh's 16th President in 2023 under the nomination of the Awami League, his tenure has been marred by increasing criticism, particularly from those opposing the authoritarian approach attributed to Hasina's rule. Shahabuddin, who has previously served as a jurist, civil servant, and politician, now faces the most significant challenge to his presidency as public anger continues to mount.

A New Wave of Protests

On Tuesday afternoon, the Anti-discrimination Student Movement – the same group that played a critical role in ousting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina – announced their 5-point demands at a rally held in central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. Chief among their demands was the resignation of President Shahabuddin. The movement also called for:

The abolition of the 1972 constitution and the creation of a new one reflecting the current socio-political context of 2024.

A ban on the Awami League's student wing, the Bangladesh Chatra League.

The nullification of the elections held under Hasina's government in both 2018 and 2024, along with the disqualification of MPs elected during these periods.

The issuance of a Proclamation of the Republic, aimed at reviving the spirit of the July-August uprising that has defined the anti-government protests since July.

The protests first began in July, focusing on the quota system for government jobs but quickly evolved into a broader anti-government movement. The public’s frustration with the Awami League and Hasina's administration reached a boiling point, and by August 5, Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power since 2009, resigned under mounting pressure.

Sheikh Hasina, 76, fled to India on the day of her resignation. Her departure was followed by the establishment of an interim government, with Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus sworn in as its head on August 8. Yunus, an internationally renowned economist and advocate for social reform, has taken charge during this volatile transition period. His appointment was met with both hope and skepticism, as the country navigates through one of the most turbulent periods in its modern political history.

A Growing Political Crisis

The current demands presented by the student movement reflect a deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the political status quo. While the ouster of Sheikh Hasina may have initially quelled some of the unrest, the continued presence of Mohammed Shahabuddin in office is seen by many as a symbol of the enduring influence of the Awami League. Protesters argue that without a complete overhaul of the political structure, true change cannot be realized.

The 1972 constitution, which was drafted in the immediate aftermath of Bangladesh's independence, is now viewed by some as outdated and no longer reflective of the country's current realities. The call for a new constitution to be written in the context of 2024 underscores the protesters' desire for a reformed political system that addresses contemporary issues, including government accountability, corruption, and the balance of power.

Impact on the Region and Beyond

The political crisis in Bangladesh is being closely watched by neighboring countries, particularly India, which has historically played a significant role in the country's politics. The ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the appointment of Muhammad Yunus as interim leader signal a potential shift in Bangladesh's political alliances and policies. Yunus, known for his work in microfinance and poverty alleviation, represents a stark contrast to Hasina’s more authoritarian and centralized rule.

For the protesters, however, this is just the beginning. The Anti-discrimination Student Movement remains steadfast in its pursuit of broader political reforms, and they have made it clear that President Shahabuddin's resignation is non-negotiable. Their insistence on disqualifying MPs elected under Hasina and banning her party’s student wing further illustrates the depth of their discontent.

The protests have already resulted in a significant political shift, but it remains to be seen how the interim government will respond to these growing demands. As the students and other factions continue to mobilize, the potential for further unrest looms large.

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