Mass Protests Force Bangladesh PM to Resign and Seek Exile
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country amidst widespread protests and violence. The unrest, which began as demonstrations against job quotas, escalated into a movement demanding to overthrow the Prime Minister.
Hasina’s departure marks the end of her 15-year second stint in power. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, told the BBC that Hasina left for her own safety at her family’s insistence. Joy stated that his mother was deeply disappointed by the uprising against her leadership.
Following Hasina’s resignation, Jubilant crowds stormed the presidential residence, looting furniture and valuables. Protesters also targeted a statue of Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, attempting to deface it.
Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced the formation of an interim government in a televised address. He promised justice for recent violence and urged citizens to return to peaceful means of protest. A curfew was imposed from midnight Monday until early Tuesday.
Reports indicate that Hasina initially landed at a military airfield near Delhi, India. Her future plans remain unclear, with some sources suggesting she may travel to London.
The crisis in Bangladesh stems from student protests against job quotas for families of independence war veterans. These demonstrations evolved into a broader campaign against Hasina’s rule, resulting in a violent crackdown that claimed approximately 250 lives and injured thousands.
The United States has called for a democratic and inclusive process in forming the interim government. Meanwhile, opposition figures, including Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, have hailed Hasina’s resignation as a victory for the people.
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