Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned, according to several sources, including the army and media outlets.
Following her resignation, she was seen departing Dhaka in a military chopper, apparently bound for India.
The resignation follows major rallies in which thousands of protestors stormed her official house and demanded her dismissal. Bangladeshi TV footage showed demonstrators vandalizing the palace, toppling furniture, and stealing valuables.
According to a source close to Hasina, she escaped with her sister to a “safer place” and was unable to record a goodbye address. This action came in the wake of growing protest violence, which claimed the lives of over 300 people, including 94 on Sunday alone.
Long-standing concerns against Hasina’s government sparked the demonstrations, with student activists organizing a national civil disobedience movement. The turmoil has caused extensive internet bans and a precarious scenario throughout the country.
Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waqar-uz-Zaman, announced the formation of an interim government and promised investigations into the deaths during the protests. The situation remains tense as the country navigates through this period of significant political upheaval.
“The country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, many people have been killed – it is time to stop the violence,” says Waqar.
“The country is experiencing a crisis. I have met with opposition leaders, and we have agreed to create an interim administration to rule the country. I accept all responsibility and vow to protect your life and property. Your requests will be fulfilled. Please show your support and put an end to the violence. If you collaborate with us, we can work toward an appropriate solution. “We can’t achieve anything with violence,” he remarked.
The demonstrations have sparked widespread violence, with at least 300 people killed. On Sunday alone, 94 people were murdered, making it the worst day in almost a month of anti-government protests. According to the French news agency AFP, the Prime Minister’s resignation is a “possibility” in light of the violent incidents.
“You see, the situation is really volatile. “I don’t know what’s going on,” Law Minister Anisul Huq told Reuters, reflecting the nation’s confusion and instability.
According to service providers and monitors, internet connectivity in Bangladesh was severely blocked on Monday in reaction to the rising demonstrations. The restrictions come a day after the bloodiest rallies in weeks, with student activists planning a march to the capital against a statewide curfew to demand Hasina’s resignation.
