On August 7, 2024, Bangladesh’s president dissolved parliament, paving the way for an interim government and new elections following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and flight after a violent crackdown on a student-led uprising. President Mohammed Shahabuddin also announced the release of opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia from house arrest.
The student protests, sparked by opposition to public sector job quotas favoring families of veterans from the 1971 independence war, led to widespread violence with about 300 deaths and thousands injured since July. The unrest climaxed with the storming and looting of the prime minister’s residence.
Following the dissolution of parliament, Dhaka saw relative peace with businesses and schools remaining closed. Garment factories, crucial to the economy, were set to reopen on Wednesday.
The decision to dissolve parliament came after consultations with military leaders, political figures, and civil society representatives. Ongoing negotiations are aimed at forming the interim government, which will organize upcoming elections.
Hasina’s departure marked the end of her 15-year second term and 20 years of leadership over the past 30 years, a tenure marked by a long-standing feud with rival Zia, both inheriting their political movements from their assassinated fathers.
Q.: The President of Bangladesh freed which former Prime Minister from house arrest following the dissolution of parliament on August 7, 2024?
A) Sheikh Hasina
B) Ziaur Rahman
C) Begum Khaleda Zia
D) Mohammed Shahabuddin
Answer: C) Begum Khaleda Zia
On August 7, 2024, Bangladesh’s president dissolved parliament and announced the release of opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia from house arrest.
