Pakistan on Wednesday expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh on Wednesday following the prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure from the country amidst weeks of civil unrest and protests.
The foreign ministry of Pakistan, the country from which Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, said, “We are confident that the resilient spirit and unity of the Bangladeshi people will lead them towards a harmonious future.”
Bangladesh witnessed violence, which claimed at least 150 lives and injured thousands, was triggered by student groups protesting against reserved quotas in government jobs.The unrest began after a high court order to reinstate a 30 percent job quota for descendants of freedom fighters.
Following massive protests and violence, Hasina resigned and sought asylum in India. Her resignation sparked celebrations across the country, with crowds storming into her official residence unopposed after her departure, marking the end of her 15-year second stint in power in the nation of 170 million, which has been grappling with economic distress in recent years.
Late on Tuesday, Bangladesh’s president appointed Yunus as the head of the interim government. According to a statement from his office, the president highlighted the need to finalize the remaining members of the government soon to overcome the current crisis.