U.S. lawmakers have called for sanctions against Bangladeshi officials linked to the recent political turmoil in Bangladesh, where Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister, has fled the country. The U.S. government has welcomed the establishment of a new interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, who was inaugurated on Thursday with the goal of overseeing upcoming elections.

The political crisis in Bangladesh intensified following student protests last month against job quotas that favored certain groups. These protests grew into a broader movement demanding Hasina's removal. Hasina had secured a fourth consecutive term in January's election, which was widely criticized by the U.S. State Department as neither free nor fair, especially since the opposition had boycotted it. The violent crackdown on demonstrators resulted in over 300 deaths, many of whom were students.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, along with five other Democratic colleagues, has urged the U.S. administration to impose sanctions on two key officials from Hasina's administration: General Secretary Obaidul Quader and Home Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. They have accused these officials of orchestrating the violent repression of protests. The State Department has not yet indicated any specific plans for sanctions.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed support for Yunus's interim government and its call for peace. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have criticized Hasina for using excessive force against protesters, although she has denied these accusations.

In the wake of Hasina's departure, which saw her flee to New Delhi, student protests have continued to demand the removal of more officials appointed during her tenure. Her exit has led to both celebrations and violence, including attacks on her official residence, the demolition of her father's statues, and assaults on minority communities.