Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Resigns Amid Escalating Protests
Sheikh Hasina Steps Down Following Deadly Demonstrations
DHAKA, Bangladesh, August 5 – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh resigned on Monday after weeks of violent anti-government protests shook the nation. The announcement was made by the country’s army chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, following the storming of the prime minister’s official residence in Dhaka by protesters.
Chaos in the Capital
Images from Dhaka showed vehicles engulfed in flames near Hasina’s residence, with police forces struggling to control the massive crowds charging towards the neighborhood. Earlier, the military and police had clashed with demonstrators in the area, as reported by a CNN journalist on the scene.
Hasina Flees the Country
According to Al Jazeera, Hasina reportedly boarded a helicopter to India with her sister Sheikh Rehana after ignoring a national curfew. The move came amid intensified demands for her resignation, which escalated from civil service job quota protests into broader anti-government unrest.
Deadly Protests and Government Crackdown
The protests, which began last month, have resulted in significant casualties and widespread violence. On Sunday alone, at least 37 people were killed in violent clashes involving sticks, knives, and security forces firing rifles. The total death toll since the protests began in July has risen to at least 243, with more than 200 deaths occurring in July alone, many due to police shootings.
A crackdown by security forces has led to the detention of around 10,000 individuals, including opposition supporters and students. On Sunday, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds in various parts of Bangladesh, resulting in approximately 200 injuries.
Nighttime Curfew and Interim Government
In response to the escalating violence, a nighttime curfew was enforced across the country. General Waker-uz-Zaman confirmed Hasina’s resignation and announced that an interim government would take over. He urged the public to trust the army to restore peace and promised justice for crimes committed during the protests.
“We will ensure that justice is served for every death and crime that occurred during the protests,” General Waker-uz-Zaman stated. He called for an end to violence and vandalism and invited representatives from major political parties to collaborate with the interim government.
A Call for Calm and a New Chapter for Bangladesh
In a national address, General Waker-uz-Zaman appealed for calm, stressing the army’s commitment to standing by the people. The resignation of Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for nearly two decades, marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
The announcement of her departure led to celebrations on the streets of Dhaka, where thousands of defiant protesters continued to march despite the curfew. Al Jazeera’s Tanvir Chowdhury, reporting from Shahbagh Square, described the scene as unprecedented.
As Bangladesh transitions to an interim government, the focus now shifts to restoring order and addressing the grievances that fueled the protests. The army’s role in maintaining peace and ensuring justice will be crucial in navigating this tumultuous period.
About The Author
