Mass Protests in Dhaka Commemorate Victims of Uprising Against Sheikh Hasina

Thousands gathered on Tuesday, January 1, in a "March for Unity" in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, to honor the memory of over 1,000 victims of the uprising that occurred five months ago. This uprising led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The march was organized by the Student Group Against Discrimination, which led the protests during the uprising. However, the group set aside its demand for amendments to the 1972 constitution after the interim government announced the drafting of a "Revolution Declaration." The group stated that the "July Revolution Declaration" is essential to honor the sacrifices of the protesters and reflect the people's aspirations. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and leader of the interim government, announced that this government seeks national consensus to draft the "Uprising Statement," which will focus on national unity, government reforms, and the goals of the uprising. He expressed hope that this document would be finalized soon. On Tuesday, students from across the country came to Dhaka, joined by the families of the deceased. During the gathering, national flags were held, and slogans were chanted against Sheikh Hasina. Abolhassan, one of the participants, said, "My son Shahryar, a ninth-grade student, was killed during the protests. Our tears will never end; this pain will never cease." The protests initially began as a student movement against job quotas in government positions but quickly escalated into a nationwide uprising against Hasina's government. The unrest peaked on August 6 when violence forced Hasina to resign and flee to India. This uprising marked the deadliest period in Bangladesh's history since the War of Independence in 1971, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. Following Hasina's ousting, an interim government was formed with the task of restoring stability and holding elections. This government includes two representatives from the students. Muhammad Yunus announced that elections are likely to be held by the end of 2025. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh fled; protests were against "quotas for martyr families." Muhammad Yunus took the helm of Bangladesh. Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh to lead the interim government. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, became the senior advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh. Protests in Bangladesh; the former Prime Minister was freed from house arrest, and the Nobel Peace Prize winner agreed to cooperate with the interim government. Resignation and exit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh; the army commander announced that an interim government would be formed. Calls for the resignation of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh; protests turned violent again. Martial law in Bangladesh; over 100 people have been killed in protests.