Protesters seize Bangladesh PM’s residence; Sheikh Hasina resigns and flees country
According to reports, Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Monday and left the country for India amidst widespread protests where demonstrators stormed and occupied the Prime Minister’s residence in Dhaka.
A source close to Hasina informed a French news agency that following her resignation, she departed Dhaka amidst extensive protests gripping the country.
Television footage broadcast in Bangladesh shows protesters inside the prime minister’s residence, some vandalizing and looting the premises.
Sheikh Hasina, in power since 2009, reportedly left for India by helicopter.
The army chief is engaging in talks with political parties, figures, and civil activists to form a new government. People in Dhaka have taken to the streets dancing and celebrating.
Internet services have been shut down today in Bangladesh, and the government has declared a three-day holiday.
On Monday, more than 90 people, including at least dozens of police officers, were killed in clashes. The unrest began last month with calls to abolish quotas in government jobs and has since turned into a civil disobedience campaign.
In the past month of protests alone, at least 300 people have lost their lives.
Sheikh Hasina was first elected as Prime Minister of Bangladesh in 1996. During her initial term, the country faced significant economic and political challenges, which she addressed through economic and social reforms, leading to improvements.
In 2009, after years of political struggle, she was re-elected as Prime Minister and successfully retained her position in the 2014 and 2018 elections. During her tenure, Bangladesh witnessed notable economic growth and the implementation of major infrastructure projects such as the Padma Bridge and Dhaka Metro.
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