After weeks of violent clashes and deadly demonstrations, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country. The army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced her resignation and stated that the army will help form an interim government.
Thousands of anti-government protesters, who have been demanding her resignation, stormed her official residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka, defying a military-imposed curfew. The protesters, who began as students seeking an end to a quota system for government jobs, have escalated their demands to oust Hasina from power.
The protests have been marked by extreme violence, with at least 300 people killed, including 13 police officers, and hundreds more injured. The government’s attempts to quell the demonstrations with force, curfews, and internet shutdowns have only fueled further outrage.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman, in a televised address, confirmed Hasina’s resignation and stated that the army will work with the president to establish an interim government. The army has been cautious in its response to the protests, with some ex-military personnel expressing support for the protesters.
Protest leaders and coordinators are unlikely to accept the next steps laid out by General Zaman and will demand to be involved in the selection of an interim government. They are seeking justice for the hundreds of deaths and an end to what they perceive as a dictatorship.
Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, departed Bangladesh on a military helicopter, reportedly heading to a “safer place”.
Thousands of protesters stormed her official residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka.
The army chief announced Hasina’s resignation and stated that the army will help form an interim government.
The government imposed a curfew, which was defied by protesters.
At least 300 people have been killed, and hundreds more injured, in the weeks-long protests. 17GEN4.com
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