Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and reportedly fled the country, as violent unrest grips the nation. Multiple sources indicate that Hasina, 76, left Bangladesh on Monday, with reports suggesting she traveled to either West Bengal or Tripura in India. Army chief General Waker-Us-Zaman announced the resignation in a televised address, stating that an interim government would be formed to stabilize the situation.
Hasina’s departure follows some of the worst violence in Bangladesh’s history, as protesters took to the streets of Dhaka in celebration. Thousands stormed her official residence, ‘Ganabhaban,’ with visuals showing jubilant crowds chanting slogans and removing furniture from the premises.
The unrest began last month with student-led protests against a controversial government job quota system, which quickly escalated into a broader movement demanding Hasina’s resignation. The situation intensified over the weekend, with deadly clashes resulting in nearly 100 fatalities nationwide. On Monday, at least six more people were killed in confrontations between police and protesters, according to reports from the Daily Star newspaper.
Bangladesh now faces a critical transition period as the formation of an interim government is anticipated. The political turmoil underscores deep-seated tensions and calls for significant changes in governance, following Hasina’s fourth consecutive term secured in an election boycotted by the opposition.