The leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, fled the country and resigned as anti-government protesters stormed the prime minister’s palace and parliament. After 35 days of violent protests, her resignation was announced by Waker-Uz-Zaman, Bangladesh’s army chief, in a speech aimed at restoring calm.
Mr. Walker, who promised to form an interim government, emphasized the need to end the violence that had claimed many lives and impacted the economy. “Our country has endured much. The economy took a hit; many people died – we need to end the violence,” he said, dressed in military uniform and hat. “I believe my speech will help improve things.” He assured that the new government would bring justice to all.
Reports surfaced that Sheikh Hasina had fled Dhaka by military helicopter. Thousands of protesters then overran her palace, ransacking it and taking various items, including furniture, livestock, and even food, from the kitchen. Videos and images on social media showed protesters sitting on beds with their boots on, raiding the kitchen, and carrying off everything from goats to CCTV cameras.
Bangladeshi media broadcast scenes of crowds storming the prime minister’s residence and vandalizing a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, Sheikh Hasina’s father and the former president who led Bangladesh to independence in 1971.
Since the protests began on July 1, over 300 people have died. The demonstrations started in opposition to a new rule introducing quotas in the civil service for families of independence war veterans. Public anger intensified after Ms. Hasina supported the quotas and blamed the opposition for the violence. She and her younger sister left the country in a military helicopter, according to the Dhaka Tribune.
Activist Abdullah al Soad expressed hope for a better future, stating, “This protest was not for her resignation. But she made it that way. She again resorted to the old formula of killing people, oppression, enforced disappearance, but this time we didn’t stop.”
Amid restricted internet access, closed offices, and shuttered factories, soldiers and police barricaded routes to Sheikh Hasina’s office with barbed wire. However, vast crowds tore down barriers and flooded the streets.
Sheikh Hasina has ruled Bangladesh since 2009 and remained popular for much of her term. However, her popularity waned after her fourth election win in January, which many perceived as facilitated by the Indian government. Fears are growing that the country may be headed towards martial law, but protesters have made it clear they oppose an unelected government.
“The army chief’s public address will be followed by a students’ rally at Shahbagh, where they will announce their support or objections to the army’s proposal,” said a Dhaka-based journalist. “Students have said they wouldn’t accept martial law.” The army chief is currently discussing the formation of an interim government with other politicians and civil society members.
