Sheikh Hasina Flees Bangladesh Amid Protests; Interim Government to be Formed as Violence Continues
In a dramatic turn of events, Sheikh Hasina, the long-serving Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has resigned and fled the country as widespread anti-government protests reached a boiling point on Monday. Known as the ‘Iron Lady’, Hasina’s departure came after weeks of violent unrest in Dhaka, which saw over 300 fatalities.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the country’s army chief, announced that an interim government will be established shortly, following consultations with political parties excluding the Awami League, Hasina’s former ruling party. He has vowed to end the violent crackdown and plans to meet with student protest leaders later today.
Hasina Reaches India
Hasina, who arrived in India via military aircraft, is rumored to be seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. However, her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has denied these reports, stating that she does not intend to return to Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina, who fled Bangladesh on Monday after resigning as PM, arrived at Hindon Airbase near Delhi via helicopter. Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and other senior officials greeted her, discussing India’s position on the situation in Bangladesh.
According to India Today, Hasina has been at Hindon Airbase awaiting UK clearance for her onward journey. During her stay, she is expected to have courtesy meetings, with the Prime Minister’s Office closely monitoring her situation.
The situation in Bangladesh remains tense, with ongoing violence following Hasina’s departure. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has announced that government and private offices, factories, and educational institutions will resume operations on Tuesday.
The army chief of Bangladesh is scheduled to meet with protest leaders on Tuesday as preparations for a new government continue. The students, who initially protested job quotas and later demanded Hasina’s resignation, are advocating for an interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, according to Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo.
Massive Vandalism and loot followed by Hasina’s resignation
Hasina’s removal led to widespread celebrations, with protesters waving flags from her official residence and taking part in acts of vandalism and looting. Visuals of protesters stripping her residence of furniture and raiding the kitchen went viral, along with scenes of the parliament being stormed and damaged.
In response to Hasina’s ouster, Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin ordered the release of jailed opposition leader Khaleda Zia. Zia, who leads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, had been imprisoned for corruption since 2018.
The US has called for a democratic and inclusive formation of the interim government and urged all parties to “refrain from further violence” after weeks of deadly unrest. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for a thorough investigation into the violence.
Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power since 2009, oversaw significant economic growth in Bangladesh but faced criticism for alleged human rights abuses, corruption, and suppression of political dissent.
