Bangladesh faces extended political crisis as doubts surface over Hasina’s resignation

Analysts are split over whether the controversy indicates a constitutional crisis and the feasibility of fresh elections, but agree that law and order must be restored quickly.

“Unless there is a formal letter of resignation by Hasina to the president to relieve her of her duties, she would remain as the de facto prime minister. It’s a constitutional crisis which is brewing in Bangladesh,” said Priyajit Debsarkar, a British-based author and an expert on Bangladesh.

If fresh elections were to be held, then the constitution might have to be amended by the parliament where Hasina’s party the Awami League had a majority, he added.