Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule as Prime Minister of Bangladesh came to an abrupt end yesterday as she fled the country following more than a month of deadly protests. The military has announced it will form an interim government to restore order.
Since early July, nationwide protests have intensified against Hasina’s government. The unrest reached a peak on Sunday, resulting in nearly 100 deaths. In a broadcast to the nation on state television, Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, confirmed Hasina’s resignation and declared that the military would establish a caretaker government to address the ongoing crisis.
“The country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, many people have been killed – it is time to stop the violence,” said General Waker, shortly after jubilant crowds stormed and looted Hasina’s official residence.
At least 56 people were killed yesterday, according to police reports, with many deaths resulting from revenge attacks on Hasina’s allies. Millions of Bangladeshis took to the streets across the country, celebrating the end of Hasina’s tenure. In Dhaka, crowds waved flags, danced atop a tank, and eventually breached the gates of Hasina’s residence. They were seen looting furniture, books, and even relaxing on the prime minister’s beds.
Mobs also targeted the homes of Awami League party members and police stations. “The homes and businesses of pro-Awami League people have been attacked,” said a senior police officer, describing the violence as “mob rule.” Television stations that had supported Hasina’s rule were torched, statues of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s independence hero, were smashed, and a museum dedicated to him was set on fire.
“We want a corruption-free Bangladesh, where everyone would have the right to express their opinion,” said Monirul Islam, a 27-year-old protester celebrating in Dhaka.
In response to the chaos, General Waker urged the cessation of protests and promised to address “all the injustices.” The military announced it would lift the curfew this morning, allowing businesses and schools to reopen.
Late yesterday, Bangladeshi President Mohamed Shahabuddin ordered the release of prisoners detained during the protests, including former Prime Minister and key opposition leader Khaleda Zia, 78. Zia, who is in poor health, was imprisoned by Hasina on graft charges in 2018.
As Bangladesh faces this turbulent transition, the interim government will aim to stabilize the nation and prepare for new elections, offering a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the country’s political crisis.
