In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country on Monday, following some of the deadliest protests in the nation’s history. The resignation comes after more than a month of escalating violence and unrest that has rocked the South Asian country.
Hasina’s Departure and the Protests
Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power since 2009, left Dhaka under extreme duress as violent protests intensified. The protests, which began over government job quotas, quickly grew into a broader anti-government movement demanding Hasina’s resignation. On Sunday, the situation reached a boiling point with nearly 100 people killed in the unrest, including 14 police officers. The violence prompted Hasina to flee the country by helicopter after initially attempting to escape by motorcade.
Sources close to the Prime Minister revealed that her security team urgently advised her to leave due to the escalating threat from protesters who had stormed her official residence in Dhaka. Jubilant crowds, waving flags and celebrating, had breached the palace gates, while others desecrated statues of Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a key figure in Bangladesh’s independence.
Military Intervention and Interim Government
Following Hasina’s resignation, Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, addressed the nation. He announced that the military would be forming an interim government to manage the country’s affairs and end the current turmoil. The General, dressed in military fatigues, emphasized the need to halt the violence and restore order.
In his address, Waker-Uz-Zaman stated, “We will form an interim government to address the current crisis. The country has suffered greatly, and it is time to stop the violence.” He also mentioned ongoing discussions with political leaders and civil society to form a new government, though notably, Hasina’s Awami League party was not involved in these talks.
The General’s announcement marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The military’s involvement in governance is reminiscent of past interventions, such as the military-backed caretaker government of 2007-2008.
The Crisis in Context
The current unrest began over the reintroduction of a job quota system that reserved more than half of all government jobs for specific groups. Although the quota system was scaled back by Bangladesh’s top court, the protests continued to escalate, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with Hasina’s administration.
The violence has resulted in at least 300 deaths since the protests began in early July, according to AFP. The situation has been compounded by ongoing clashes between protesters and security forces, with armed confrontations reported across the country.
International Reaction and Future Outlook
As Sheikh Hasina reportedly heads towards New Delhi via Agartala, the international community watches closely. The sudden departure of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister has raised concerns about the stability of the region and the future of Bangladeshi politics.
The military’s decision to form an interim government and address the protests represents a critical moment for Bangladesh. The success of these efforts will depend on the ability to restore peace and address the grievances that led to the widespread unrest.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman’s commitment to prosecuting those responsible for violence and his appeal to students and citizens for calm are seen as crucial steps in stabilizing the situation. However, the effectiveness of these measures and the military’s role in the country’s future governance remain to be seen.
The resignation of Sheikh Hasina amid severe violence marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political history. As the country grapples with the aftermath of the protests and the establishment of an interim government, the path forward remains uncertain. The international community will be closely monitoring the developments in Bangladesh, hoping for a resolution that ensures stability and addresses the underlying issues fueling the unrest.
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