Protestors are celebrating after Sheikh Hasina resigned. CNN
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday and reportedly fled the country as massive protests erupted in the capital, Dhaka. These demonstrations were the culmination of weeks of violent unrest sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with her government. Protesters stormed Hasina's official residence, leading to dramatic scenes in the streets of Dhaka.
The unrest began with rallies demanding the resignation of Hasina and the end of government job quotas that many citizens view as unfair. The protests escalated into violent clashes over the weekend, resulting in at least 91 deaths and hundreds of injuries. This marked the deadliest day of protests in recent Bangladeshi history, surpassing the previous record set on July 19.
As demonstrators celebrated Hasina’s departure, images showed them climbing on tanks and vandalizing a statue of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a prominent figure in Bangladesh's history. The mood on the streets was a mix of jubilation and anger, with people attacking symbols of Hasina’s regime.
Sheikh Hasina, pictured on November 11, 2021, resigned recently, leading to celebrations among protesters who have been rallying nationwide against government job quotas. AP Photo
Bangladesh’s army chief, Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman, confirmed Hasina's resignation and announced that the military would oversee an interim government. In a plea to protesters, he asked them to avoid further violence and assured them that security forces would not use lethal force. The army's promise of a peaceful transition aims to address the nation’s immediate crisis and restore order.
During the protests, demonstrators set fire to vehicles and broke into Hasina’s residence, causing significant damage. Early reports indicated that flames and chaos surrounded the prime minister's home, with many inside the building looting and vandalizing.
The situation intensified as police and military forces clashed with protesters, leading to further bloodshed. Human rights organizations criticized the use of excessive force by authorities, although the government has denied these allegations. The violence also led to an indefinite nationwide curfew to control the unrest.
Amid the turmoil, President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced the release of opposition leader Khaleda Zia and other detainees, aiming to ease tensions. The current parliament will be dissolved, and efforts will be made to form an interim government and hold new elections. This move is intended to stabilize the country and address the demands of the protesters.
Student leader Muhammad Nahid Islam expressed the group’s ongoing goals, including the abolition of discriminatory systems. There are calls for Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead the interim government, reflecting a desire for significant change. Yunus has advocated for a peaceful transition of power to a civilian government.
On August 4 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, men rush past a shopping center that protesters have set ablaze. CNN
International bodies, including the UN and the US State Department, have urged calm and restraint. They emphasize the need for a peaceful and democratic transition while calling for a thorough investigation into the violence.
The unrest has also affected the country's infrastructure, with Dhaka’s main airport briefly closing following Hasina’s resignation. The situation remains volatile, with a near-total internet shutdown complicating communication and reporting.
As Bangladesh grapples with this political upheaval, citizens hope for a more stable and just future. Some remain optimistic about the changes, while others worry about the challenges ahead in rebuilding and ensuring protection for all citizens.
