Protesters Storm Prime Minister’s Palace After Sheikh Hasina Flees Bangladesh
In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned after weeks of deadly anti-government protests, leading to jubilant crowds taking to the streets to celebrate the news. The 76-year-old prime minister reportedly fled the country, landing in India on Monday, leaving behind a wave of chaos and unrest.
Protesters stormed the prime ministerial palace, reportedly looting and vandalizing parts of her former residence. Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that the military would begin talks on forming an interim government in the wake of Ms. Hasina’s resignation. President Mohammed Shahabuddin ordered the release of jailed former prime minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia shortly after the resignation.
The situation escalated further as demonstrators attempted to tear down a statue of Ms. Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a revered figure in Bangladeshi history. The unrest led to attacks on police and government buildings, with reports of at least 66 people killed on Monday.
The departure of Ms. Hasina, who spent a total of 20 years in office, has left a power vacuum in Bangladeshi politics, with questions arising about the future leadership of the country. Critics of Ms. Hasina’s rule have accused her of human rights abuses and suppression of opposition figures, while her supporters credit her with transforming Bangladesh into a rising economic power in Asia.
The protests initially began over a quota system for government jobs, which escalated into a broader anti-government movement fueled by high unemployment rates and frustration over political freedoms. The speed of events reflects the deep-seated grievances among Bangladeshi youth over the country’s one-party rule and calls for democratic reforms.
As the country navigates this turbulent period, the new government faces the daunting task of addressing the demands of the protesters, including democratic reforms, better job opportunities, and improvements to the education system. The future of Bangladesh hangs in the balance as the nation grapples with the aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and the challenges ahead.
