Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed has resigned and fled the country after weeks of student-led protests escalated into deadly nationwide unrest. The 76-year-old leader left in a helicopter to India as thousands of protesters stormed her official residence in Dhaka, bringing an unexpected end to her long reign.
Hasina, who has been in power since 2009 and ruled for over 20 years in total, has been credited with overseeing Bangladesh’s economic progress. However, critics accuse her of becoming autocratic and cracking down on opposition to her rule. The recent protests were sparked by a controversial election in which her party was re-elected for a fourth term.
Born to a political family, Hasina’s father was Bangladesh’s first president and led the country to independence. After surviving a military coup that killed most of her family, she returned to Bangladesh and became a prominent political figure. She has faced numerous challenges, including assassination attempts and corruption allegations.
Under Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh has seen significant economic growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the region. However, her government has been accused of human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings. Critics say her economic success has come at the cost of democracy and press freedom.
As Hasina resigns and leaves the country, the future of Bangladesh remains uncertain. The protests and unrest highlight the deep divisions and challenges facing the nation as it navigates a new political landscape.
