Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh resigned on Monday following intense protests that saw demonstrators storm her official residence in Dhaka. She fled the country in a military helicopter along with her sister. Here are ten key points on the unfolding crisis in Bangladesh:
1. Resignation and Interim Government: Bangladesh’s army chief, Waker-uz-Zaman, confirmed in a press conference that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country. He announced that an interim government would take over the administration. “We will restore peace in the country. We urge citizens to cease violence. All killings over the past weeks will be thoroughly investigated,” Zaman stated.
2. No Curfew or Emergency: Zaman mentioned that there is no immediate need for a curfew or emergency declaration. He assured that the army would resolve the crisis by the end of the day.
3. High Alert at India-Bangladesh Border: In response to the situation in Bangladesh, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has issued a high alert along the India-Bangladesh border. The Director General of BSF has arrived in Kolkata to oversee the developments.
4. Evacuation from Bangabhaban: Reports indicate that Sheikh Hasina departed from Bangabhaban, her official residence, at around 2:30 pm on Monday. She left in a military helicopter with her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, seeking a “safer place.”
5. Protests Against Quota System: The crisis was sparked by prolonged protests against reservations for select groups in government jobs and educational institutions. Initially peaceful in June, the protests turned violent, culminating in Monday’s storming of Hasina’s residence.
6. Violent Clashes and Casualties: The peaceful protests escalated into violent clashes, resulting in dozens of deaths. Over the past two days, more than 100 people have been reported dead as the protests reignited.
7. Internet Shutdown and “Long March to Dhaka: The government had previously ordered a complete internet shutdown to curb the protests. However, a government agency verbally instructed internet service providers to resume broadband services around 1:15 pm on Monday.
8. Security Team’s Recommendation: According to a source, Sheikh Hasina fled on the advice of her security team. “Her security team recommended she leave immediately, giving her little time to prepare,” the source said. She initially left by motorcade before being evacuated by helicopter.
9. Public Reaction: After Hasina’s departure, jubilant crowds celebrated by waving flags and dancing. Some demonstrators destroyed a statue of Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a revered figure in the country’s independence movement.
10. Message from Sajeeb Wazed Joy: Prior to Hasina’s ouster, her US-based son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, called on security forces to protect the government. “Your duty is to keep our people safe, our country safe, and to uphold the constitution. Do not allow any unelected government to seize power, even for a moment,” he wrote on social media.
The situation in Bangladesh remains fluid, with the interim government and the military working to restore order and address the concerns of the protesting citizens.
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