Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down and fled the country on Monday amid a wave of violent protests that have engulfed the nation for over a month. Demonstrators stormed her official residence in defiance of a military curfew, demanding her resignation and justice for those killed in the unrest.
The protests, initially sparked by students, have seen nearly 100 fatalities from clashes with police. The most violent day was Sunday, with 95 deaths, including 14 police officers, in the capital city of Dhaka.
The demonstrations were triggered by a reinstated quota system for public sector jobs, which many viewed as unfair. This policy, abolished in 2018 after protests, was reinstated by a court ruling in June. Young people, who see government jobs as crucial for their future, were particularly affected.
Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced in a national address that the military would form an interim government. He urged an end to the violence, saying, “We must stop all fighting and destruction. Violence will not solve our problems.”
Social media footage showed protesters looting Hasina’s unguarded residence. The government had imposed an internet shutdown to control the situation, which was lifted later on Monday.
The protests have also strained Bangladesh’s international relations, especially with the United States and other Western countries. Hasina’s government has been accused of election fraud, arresting opposition politicians, and suppressing press freedom. Despite winning a fourth term in January, her victory was marred by allegations of irregularities.
The violence has revealed deep societal issues, with over 200 deaths and thousands injured since the protests began. The military’s intervention and the establishment of an interim government mark a significant change in Bangladesh’s political landscape as the country seeks stability and justice.
