Protests Erupt in Dhaka as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Flees Amid Unrest

Chaos in Dhaka as Protesters Converge on Prime Minister’s Residence

The atmosphere in Dhaka was electric as protesters, fueled by anger and determination, closed in on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s official residence. A convoy of about a dozen vehicles, tasked with transporting the Prime Minister away from the sprawling complex, initially attempted to escape through the usual gate. However, amidst the escalating tension, they quickly spun around and took an alternate route, only to find themselves still facing a sea of demonstrators.

Thousands of citizens defied a strict curfew, brazenly pushing through police barricades to flood the heart of the capital, enraged by the recent killings of approximately 100 protesters the previous day. The atmosphere was charged with unrest, as the crowds grew larger and more vocal in their demands for justice and accountability.

As the situation intensified, Ms. Hasina’s security team urgently requested reinforcements. Armored vehicles raced to the scene in a desperate attempt to clear a path through the throngs of protesters. In a dramatic turn of events, her vehicle sped toward a helipad, where a helicopter was on standby to whisk her away to safety. Shortly thereafter, she boarded a military plane that would take her out of the country.

In her final chaotic hours as the leader of Bangladesh, recounted through conversations with nearly a dozen diplomatic, security, and government officials caught in the turmoil, Ms. Hasina clung to the hope that she could withstand the mounting pressure from the encroaching crowds. According to three individuals familiar with the discussions, she resisted the advice of her top security chiefs, who warned her that their violent crackdown on the growing antigovernment protests had resulted in an alarming death toll of around 300 lives over just a few weeks. They cautioned her that any further attempts to suppress the unrest would likely require even more bloodshed.

Ultimately, her decision to relinquish her position after 15 years in office and make what seemed to be a hasty escape to India was not driven by international pressure or diplomatic intervention. Rather, it was a heartfelt plea from her closest family members, who urged her to recognize the gravity of the situation and accept that her time in power had come to an end.

On that fateful Monday, hundreds of thousands of protesters streamed into Dhaka, with many of them encircling the Prime Minister’s residence, demanding change and justice.