After 15 years in power, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on Monday, succumbing to intense protests that have plagued the nation for over a month. Defying a military-imposed curfew, protesters stormed her official residence, demanding her resignation.
The protests, largely led by students, escalated dramatically, resulting in nearly 100 deaths in violent clashes with police forces. Sunday marked the deadliest day of the unrest, with 95 people, including 14 police officers, losing their lives in the capital, Dhaka.
The turmoil began in response to a court ruling that reinstated a controversial quota system for public sector jobs. Many viewed the policy as unfair, as it would limit young people’s access to government positions, seen as secure and prestigious careers in Bangladesh. The quota system had previously been abolished in 2018 following similar protests.
In a national address, army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that the military would establish an interim government. He called for an end to the violence, stating, “We must stop the fighting and destruction. Violence will not bring us any solutions.”
Social media footage showed protesters looting Hasina’s unguarded residence. The government had shut down internet services to curb the unrest, but access was restored later on Monday.
The protests have severely strained Bangladesh’s relations with the United States and other Western nations. Hasina’s administration faced accusations of election fraud, arresting opposition leaders, and restricting press freedoms. Her fourth consecutive term, won in January, was marred by allegations of irregularities.
The ongoing violence has highlighted deep-rooted societal issues, with over 200 deaths and thousands of injuries since the protests began. The military’s takeover and the formation of an interim government represent a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape as the country seeks stability and justice.
