In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday and fled the capital, Dhaka, with her sister, seeking refuge in a safer location. This move comes in the wake of violent protests demanding her resignation, which have resulted in nearly 300 deaths.
The unrest began as a peaceful student demonstration against a preferential quota system for government jobs but escalated into widespread violence. On Sunday, Dhaka experienced deadly clashes, leading to the deaths of at least 94 people, including 14 police officers. Hundreds more were injured in the chaos, prompting the military to impose a curfew in Dhaka and other major cities and districts.
Protesters stormed the prime minister’s residence, Ganabhaban, and media reports indicate that Hasina and her sister fled to India via a military helicopter. According to Prothom Alo Daily, she attempted to record a farewell speech but could not due to the circumstances.
In response to the escalating violent protests, the government declared a three-day holiday from Monday to Wednesday and shut down the courts indefinitely. Mobile internet services were suspended, and popular social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram were blocked.
The prime minister’s son urged security forces to prevent any unelected government from seizing power amid the turmoil. Meanwhile, India’s central government issued a travel advisory, warning its citizens to avoid traveling to Bangladesh for the time being.
Despite the crackdown, which has led to over 10,000 arrests, the protests have regained momentum since Friday, fueled by anger over Hasina’s governance and economic policies. The situation remains tense as the country grapples with the aftermath of the violent demonstrations and the sudden resignation of its prime minister.