An Illinois State University professor whose research focus includes Bangladeshi politics says the resignation of the country's prime minister presents an opportunity for the small country to reset itself.
Ali Riaz says weeks of protests led by citizens in the South Asian country have reasserted the power of the people.
“It clearly showed that arrogance and autocracy does not stand at the end of the day when people rise up,” Riaz said on NPR’s Morning Edition. “This is a historic moment in the history of Bangladesh which came into being in 1971. This is a turning point.
"I cannot overstate the significance of this moment."
The student-led protests began in July and were met with deadly government force, leaving hundreds dead and more than 10,000 protesters arrested.
Riaz said Bangladeshi's military is now playing the role of political mediators.
“What they are trying to do now, all of the political parties and those who are on the street – the demonstrators who are primarily led by the students – they are having negotiation, conversations among themselves to have an interim government,” Riaz said, adding the new national government government will include representation from various sectors throughout Bangladesh society.
The unrest in Bangladesh hits home for a few dozen students at ISU. The Bangladesh Student Association formed a human chain on campus a few weeks ago to show solidarity with students in Bangladesh.
At the time of the demonstrations at ISU, internet access had been shut off in Bangladesh.
