Political Upheaval in Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Resigns Amid Protests

Political Upheaval in Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Resigns

In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has officially resigned and fled the country on Monday, as reported by multiple news outlets citing her aides. This resignation marks the end of her 15-year tenure in power, amidst a backdrop of escalating protests that have seen thousands storm her official residence, defying a military-imposed curfew that was established following weeks of unrest.

Eyewitness accounts and social media footage have shown the Prime Minister boarding a military helicopter, raising concerns about the stability of the nation. Meanwhile, the military chief, General Walker-uz-Zaman, has expressed his intention to consult with the president regarding the formation of an interim government. In an effort to restore order, General Waker-uz-Zaman has urged protesters to “stay calm” and has announced plans for an investigation into the violent police crackdowns that have resulted in the deaths of over 200 demonstrators.

The unrest in Bangladesh has primarily been driven by student-led protests that began in late June, sparked by a controversial quota system for government jobs. Under this system, 30% of jobs were reserved for the families of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence against Pakistan in 1971. Initially, the protests were peaceful, but they quickly escalated into violent confrontations between students, police, and pro-government activists at Dhaka University, leading to a tragic toll of hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.

In response to the growing discontent, the country’s Supreme Court reduced the veteran quota to 5% in July. However, this decision failed to quell the outrage over the violent responses to protests, prompting students to demand the Prime Minister’s resignation. On Sunday, clashes between protesters and security forces, along with ruling party activists, resulted in at least 95 fatalities, according to the Bengali-language daily newspaper Prothom Alo.

As a measure to control the situation, authorities shut down mobile internet services on Sunday, and a military curfew was imposed in the capital. Despite these efforts, protesters reportedly stormed the Prime Minister’s palace, showcasing the intensifying unrest. Sheikh Hasina, who was elected for a fourth consecutive term in January, has been the longest-serving leader in Bangladesh’s history, and her abrupt resignation raises questions about the future political landscape of the country.