Bangladesh Parliament Dissolved, Ex-PM Khaleda Zia Released

Bangladesh president Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday dissolved the 12th parliament formed through the January 7 national election.

In a press release the Bangladesh president’s office said, “The decision to dissolve the parliament was taken following the president’s discussions with chiefs of three staffs of armed forces, leaders of different political parties, representatives of civil society and leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.”

The press release also added that the BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was freed. Moreover, the process to release those arrested between July 1 to  August has started, and many have already been released.

According to the Bangladesh constitution, a general election of the members of parliament shall be held in the case of a dissolution by reason of the expiration of its term within ninety days preceding such dissolution; and in the case of a dissolution otherwise than by reason of such expiration, within ninety days after such dissolution.