**US Urges Calm in Bangladesh, Welcomes Formation of Interim Government**
Washington [US], August 6: The United States has called for calm in Bangladesh and emphasized the need for a democratic and inclusive formation of an interim government. Both the White House and the US Department of State urged all parties involved to avoid further violence and work towards restoring peace.
This statement follows the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has departed Bangladesh. The announcement was made by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of the Bangladesh Army, who also stated that an interim government would be put in place.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "We have observed the resignation of Prime Minister Hasina and her departure from Bangladesh. The United States is monitoring the situation closely and stands with the Bangladeshi people. We urge all parties to avoid additional violence. The recent loss of life has been substantial, and we call for calm and restraint. We welcome the formation of an interim government."
A White House National Security Council spokesperson added, "We encourage all parties to refrain from further violence and to work towards restoring peace as quickly as possible. We commend the restraint shown by the army."
The US State Department also expressed condolences to those affected by the violence and stressed the importance of ending the conflict and ensuring accountability. "We extend our condolences to those who have suffered from the violence. Our focus now is on halting the violence and ensuring accountability. Decisions regarding the interim government should be guided by democratic principles, the rule of law, and the will of the Bangladeshi people," Miller noted.
Hasina's resignation follows a violent crackdown on protests that began as a movement against job quotas and evolved into a broader call for her removal. After winning a fourth consecutive term in January, the US had previously criticized the election as neither free nor fair, citing reports of irregularities and violence.
US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also called for the establishment of a fair interim government and rapid democratic elections. "Prime Minister Hasina’s violent response to legitimate protests made her continued leadership unsustainable. I applaud the brave protesters and demand justice for the lives lost. It is essential to establish a balanced interim government that respects all rights and expedites democratic elections," Schumer stated on X.
Recent reports from local media outlet Prothom Alo indicate that at least 95 people, including 14 police officers, have died and hundreds more have been injured in clashes in Dhaka. In response, protests and celebrations have been reported in various parts of the city, with some demonstrators expressing relief at Hasina's resignation.