In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on Monday, ending her 15-year tenure in power. The announcement was made by a top military official amid escalating violence that has left over 300 people dead in recent weeks.
Thousands of protesters stormed her official residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka as reports surfaced that Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, had departed for a “safe shelter.” The army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, confirmed that an interim government would take over. Earlier in the day, he held urgent talks with leaders from various political parties, including the ruling Awami League and the opposition BNP, as well as other stakeholders, according to local media reports.
The exact whereabouts of Sheikh Hasina were not immediately confirmed, though reports suggest she and her sister were flown to India in a military helicopter, landing in Agartala, Tripura.
Deadly Unrest
The unrest began peacefully in late June with students protesting the quota system for government jobs. However, the demonstrations turned violent following clashes between protesters, police, and pro-government activists at Dhaka University. The government’s heavy-handed attempts to suppress the protests, including the use of force, curfews, and internet shutdowns, only fueled further outrage. The violence culminated in nearly 300 deaths, intensifying calls for an end to Hasina’s rule.
On Sunday alone, nearly 100 people were killed as protesters clashed with security forces and ruling party activists across the country. The brutal crackdown on demonstrators has drawn widespread condemnation and increased pressure on the government.
What We Know So Far
The protests, initially sparked by student opposition to civil service job quotas, have evolved into a broader anti-government uprising.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country.
Sheikh Hasina, in power since 2009, reportedly landed in Agartala, Tripura.
Her resignation follows mass protests in Dhaka, where thousands have taken to the streets.
Clashes between police and protesters have resulted in at least 98 deaths on Sunday alone.
Protesters breached Sheikh Hasina’s official residence in Dhaka.
