Bangladesh PM Escapes Amid Escalating Protests; Army Steps In with Interim Government Announcement

According to SAEDNEWS, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has resigned and left the country in the wake of escalating protests against her government’s policies and prolonged time in office. The 76-year-old leader departed from Dhaka aboard a military helicopter on Monday, accompanied by her sister.

Reports suggest that Hasina has sought refuge in India.

The unrest erupted last month when the government reimplemented a controversial quota system that reserved more than half of all government positions for specific groups. However, the protests quickly evolved into widespread demonstrations calling for an end to Hasina’s 15-year rule.

Tragically, the violence has claimed at least 300 lives, marking some of the most intense protests the nation has experienced in over fifty years. The deadliest incident occurred on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least 94 individuals, including 14 police officers. Throughout the unrest, security forces had largely supported Hasina's government, yet on Sunday they refrained from intervening in several instances.

This shift in security dynamics followed a call from General Ikbal Karim Bhuiyan, a former army chief, urging the government to "immediately" withdraw troops and allow the protests to proceed unhindered.

On the same day, the current army chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced plans to establish an interim government in a national broadcast on state television, indicating a significant change in the political landscape of Bangladesh. “We will form an interim government,” Waker stated, signaling a potential path forward for the nation amidst the turmoil.