Military in Bangladesh to form interim government

Talks held with main opposition parties, civil society members but not Hasina’s party

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DHAKA - Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule of the country ended on Aug 5 as she fled weeks of deadly protests, and the military announced that it would form an interim government.

She had sought since early July to quell nationwide protests against her government, but she fled after a brutal day of unrest on Aug 4 in which nearly 100 people died.

"We want a corruption-free Bangladesh, where everyone would have the right to express their opinion," said Mr Monirul Islam, a 27year-old man among thousands in the streets near the prime minister's palace.

Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman said in a televised address that Ms Hasina, 76, had resigned and the military would form a caretaker government. The career infantryman had said earlier that he would talk to the president to form a caretaker government in the South Asian nation of some 170 million people.

"I am taking full responsibility," the general said, dressed in military fatigues and cap.

"The country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, many people have been killed - it is time to stop the violence. I hope after my speech, the situation will improve," he said, shortly after jubilant crowds stormed and looted Ms Hasina's residence.

At least 56 people were killed during violence in the Bangladesh capital on Aug 5, a police inspector said at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Gen Waker said he has held talks with the main opposition parties and civil society members but not Ms Hasina's Awami League.