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Resignation and Escape of Bangladesh's Prime Minister After Protesters Storm the Palace
Resignation and Escape of Bangladesh's Prime Minister After Protesters Storm the Palace
Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, resigned and fled the country on Monday after protesters stormed her palace amidst a wave of violence, the worst the country has seen in over five decades.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), at least 56 people were killed during violent protests that erupted today.
Upon hearing news of Hasina's escape, jubilant protesters stormed the presidential palace, waving flags and dancing on tanks in the streets of Dhaka. Scenes of the crowds breaking through the gates of the Prime Minister's official residence were broadcast on "Bangladesh 24," showing them waving at the cameras during their celebrations.
A source close to Hasina, who is 76 years old, stated that she had fled to a "safer place," which was later revealed to be India, her biggest ally since her first election in 1996. Hasina has affirmed that India assisted Bangladesh during the War of Independence in 1971.
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In a televised speech, Bangladesh's army chief, Waqar Zaman, announced that he would "take full responsibility" following Sheikh Hasina's resignation and escape. He explained that a caretaker government would be formed, and he would meet with President Mohammad Shahabuddin to reach a solution by the end of the day.
Zaman also vowed to deliver justice for all citizens of Bangladesh, noting that he had already spoken to the country's opposition parties, although he had not yet held discussions with Hasina's party, the Awami League.
AFP reported that approximately 300 citizens have been killed so far, including 100 on Sunday alone, among them 13 police officers. Media outlets and protesters accuse the police of being largely responsible for the high death toll, while the government insists that police only opened fire in self-defense or to protect state property.
Earlier, the government had responded by imposing an unprecedented nationwide curfew and cutting off internet access in parts of the country, which has a population of 170 million people.
Hasina had ruled Bangladesh since 2009, winning her fourth consecutive election in January in an uncontested vote. Human rights groups have accused her government of abusing state institutions to consolidate power and eliminate opposition, including extrajudicial killings of opposition activists.
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