Bangladesh, Aug 6 (Agency) Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday dissolved the 12th parliament formed after the January 7 national election and also ordered the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from house arrest, media reports said. Seen as a precursor to fresh elections within 90 days, the decision to dissolve parliament followed the President’s discussions with chiefs of armed forces, political parties and student leaders, reported The Daily Star.
A press release issued by Bangabhaban stated that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia had been released from house arrest and the process to release quota protestors arrested between July 1 to August 5 had also begun. Former PM Sheikh Hasina, who has gone into exile, was an arch rival of Khaleda Zia. According to the country’s 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.