Dhaka, August 6

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday dissolved Parliament to make way for the formation of an interim administration, a day after prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following massive protests against her government.

“The President dissolved the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) under an executive order,” a Bangabhaban (presidential palace) spokesman told PTI.

“The decision to dissolve Parliament was taken following the president’s discussions with chiefs of three staff of armed forces, leaders of different political parties, representatives of civil society and leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement,” said a statement issued by the president’s office.

Officials said a full-fledged interim government is expected to be announced later on Tuesday. The president’s move to dissolve the Parliament has cleared the way for fresh elections.