Bangla Outlook unequivocally condemns the ongoing indiscriminate killings, terrorism, and the apathy of those in power and institutions toward the safety of the people in Bangladesh.

The people of Bangladesh envisioned a democratic and welfare-oriented state when they established an independent sovereign nation on March 26, 1971. The recent attacks and killings of students and ordinary citizens in Bangladesh are unprecedented and clearly contradict the spirit of the liberation war.

Members of the state police, border guards, RAB, and military who have participated in these genocidal acts, targeting children, teenagers, youths, and civilians, and who have fired with lethal intent, must be held accountable under both domestic and international law.

To address the current severe political crisis, and to safeguard the lives and property of the people as well as the sovereignty of the state, it is imperative to return power to the people. According to Article 7 of the Constitution, all state power belongs to the people, and the Constitution represents the supreme expression of their will.

Therefore, in alignment with the fundamental principles of the Constitution of Bangladesh and Article 7, establishing a people's government for the interim period is now a pressing necessity.

Just as a broadly accepted government was established in 1991 through national consensus, reflecting the will of the Bangladeshi people following the anti-autocratic movement, it is now crucial to form a non-partisan interim government composed of representatives from various sectors.

We believe that this interim government should include members from the student and youth communities. This interim administration must conduct free, fair, impartial, participatory, and acceptable elections within 90 days and transfer power to the newly elected government.

Many question what the alternative to this government might be. The recent movement and ongoing violence over the past few weeks have provided a clear answer. The people will determine the alternative to the current government.

A new government will emerge from the collective decision of the populace, whether it is from an existing or new political party or individual. We believe that recent events have clarified the consequences of questioning a government's legitimacy by proposing alternatives.

Thus, if a genocidal government or individual remains in power without accountability, it will oppose the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people.

Likewise, a military coup or the declaration of a state of emergency will not serve Bangladesh's interests. Our focus should be on swiftly returning power to the people. An interim government made up of independent individuals is the only viable solution for restoring peace and order in the country.

_____