Dhaka, Bangladesh – In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and The along with her younger sister, is allegedly travelling to India for a safe shelter, as on Monday, ending her 15-year tenure in power. This development follows weeks of intense anti-government violence that has resulted in more than 300 deaths.
Departure Amidst Crisis
Thousands of protesters stormed her official residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka, as reports emerged that Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, had departed for a “safe shelter.” According to sources, they were flown to India in a military helicopter, although their exact whereabouts remain unconfirmed.
Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced that an interim government would be established. Earlier in the day, General Zaman met with leaders of various political parties, including the ruling Awami League and the opposition BNP, as well as other key stakeholders, according to local media.
Deadly Unrest
The protests began peacefully in late June, initiated by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs. However, the situation quickly escalated into violent clashes between protesters, police, and pro-government activists at Dhaka University. The government’s attempts to suppress the demonstrations through force, curfews, and internet shutdowns backfired, resulting in nearly 300 deaths and mounting calls for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
The unrest peaked on Sunday with nearly 100 fatalities as protesters clashed with security officials and ruling party activists across the country.
Origins of the Protests
The protests, initially sparked by opposition to a quota system for government jobs, evolved into a broader revolt against Hasina and her ruling Awami League party. The quota system reserved up to 30% of government jobs for families of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. Protesters, mainly students, deemed this system discriminatory, accusing it of disproportionately benefiting Hasina’s supporters.
Violence and Government Response
The situation turned violent on July 16, with clashes between student protesters, security forces, and pro-government activists. The government responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and imposed a curfew with a shoot-on-sight order, while cutting off internet and mobile data access. Although the Supreme Court intervened to reduce the veterans’ quota to 5%, with 93% allocated on merit and the remaining 2% for ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and disabled people, the unrest persisted and grew in scale.
Rising Death Toll
Over the past weekend, the protests intensified further, with local media reporting at least 95 deaths on Sunday alone. The overall death toll has now surpassed 300, with nearly 1,500 injured according to reports. The government’s official figures remain significantly lower, highlighting the contentious nature of the crisis.
Government Accusations and Opposition Support
Prime Minister Hasina accused the protesters of “sabotage,” stating that those involved in destruction are “no longer students but criminals” and should be dealt with “iron hands.” She reimposed internet restrictions to control the unrest and offered to engage in dialogue with student leaders, who have so far refused.
“The protests, which show no signs of abating, have turned into a major crisis for Hasina, whose 15-year-long dominance over the country is being tested like never before,” said analysts.
The ruling Awami League party has attributed the demand for Hasina’s resignation to the influence of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the now-banned Jamaat-e-Islami party, accusing them of inciting the violence. Opposition parties have denied instigating the chaos but reiterated their support for the protesters and calls for the government to step down to restore calm.
Military’s Potential Role
Current army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman has hinted at the military siding with the protesters, stating that the military “always stands by the people.” This suggests a possible alignment with those demanding Hasina’s departure. Sources indicate that the army’s actions may hinge on the stance of foreign allies, possibly compelling Hasina to cede power to the military temporarily.
**Economic and Political Implications**
The protests also highlight the economic distress in Bangladesh, marked by declining exports and dwindling foreign exchange reserves. The scarcity of quality jobs for young graduates, who often seek stable and lucrative government positions, has exacerbated the frustration among the youth. Critics argue that the unrest stems from Hasina’s authoritarian tendencies and desire for control at all costs.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.