Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country on Monday after weeks of deadly protests against her government. The protests escalated as demonstrators defied a military-imposed curfew and stormed her residence.
The turmoil, primarily driven by student-led movements, resulted in nearly 100 deaths in clashes with police forces. On Sunday, the most violent day yet, 95 people, including 14 police officers, were killed in the unrest.
The protests began in June following the reinstatement of a controversial quota system for public sector jobs, which many viewed as unjust. This system was previously scrapped in 2018 after significant opposition. The new policy would have severely limited job opportunities for young people, who see government positions as a path to stable futures.
In response to the chaos, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the army chief, announced that the military would establish an interim government. He called for an end to the violence, stating, “We must stop the conflicts and destruction. Violence will not lead to any positive outcomes.”
Footage circulating on social media showed protesters ransacking Hasina’s unguarded residence in Dhaka, taking various items. The government had imposed an internet blackout to control the situation, which was lifted later on Monday.
The protests have also strained Bangladesh’s international relations, particularly with the United States and other Western nations. Hasina’s government faced allegations of election rigging, suppressing political opponents, and limiting press freedoms. Despite winning a fourth term in January, her victory was clouded by accusations of irregularities.
The recent violence has highlighted the deep-seated issues within the country, with over 200 people dead and thousands injured. The formation of an interim government by the military marks a significant change in Bangladesh’s political scene, as the country seeks stability and justice.
