A group of Muslim scholars has called on the Bangladesh Army to safeguard the country and ensure transparent elections.
The International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) made this appeal after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India amidst violent student protests over government job quotas.
In their statement, IUMS expressed solidarity with the Bangladeshi people and urged the army to establish an interim civilian government until fair elections can be conducted. They also appealed to the public to maintain order and avoid attacks on state and private property.
Reports indicate that protesters have set fire to government buildings and the headquarters of the ruling Awami League party in Dhaka.
On Monday, Bangladesh’s military chief, Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman, announced a transitional government following Hasina’s departure. The country has been experiencing widespread protests since early July, which started with university student demonstrations against controversial civil service job quotas. Local media have reported around 400 deaths related to the unrest.
