The Bangladesh University Teachers' Network on Sunday proposed an outline to form an interim government comprising teachers, judges, lawyers, and civil society stakeholders, based on the opinions of civil and political forces for a democratic transition.
According to their proposal, the protesting students will play a key role in electing members of this government, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government resigning in favour of this interim administration.
Former Jahangirnagar University (JU) teacher Prof Anu Muhammad announced the proposal at a press briefing held at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium at Dhaka Reporters Unity, on behalf of university teachers.
Prof Anu believes that this resignation and democratic transition can be achieved in a few steps. He also suggested that a shadow government, led by citizens including students and teachers, will be formed with organizations representing the stakeholders of the main protesting forces.
"It will ensure accountability and transparency of this interim government so that a conducive environment for a democratic election is established in the country," he said, adding that such a shadow government can continue even in an elected democratic system.
"The important responsibilities that the interim government will perform after assuming office include establishing an inquiry committee and a special tribunal with the support of the United Nations to try those responsible for the July killings and oppression of the people, withdrawing the recent false cases, and releasing all those detained in these cases," according to Prof Anu.
The proposal includes holding elections to constitute a Constituent Assembly within six months of its formation. The elected Constituent Assembly will propose a democratic constitution free of autocracy, communal, anti-people, and discriminatory clauses.
Based on that constitution, the interim government will immediately organize the next general election. A declaration should be finalized based on dialogue between the students and citizens, guiding the progress of Bangladesh through a combination of diversity.
Prof Anu further added: "The Bangladesh University Teachers' Network is ready to play any role in the formation of the proposed interim government and the list of key stakeholders and shadow government."
He also mentioned that this outline is only a preliminary proposal, and they are willing to work in the future to expand it if necessary.