Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister and sought refuge in India amidst escalating violent protests. She landed at Hindon Airbase in India, accompanied by her sister Sheikh Rehana. This airbase was chosen because Hasina is no longer the Prime Minister.
Bangladesh’s Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman confirmed Hasina’s resignation in a press conference, announcing the formation of an interim government to manage the country. He acknowledged the severe impact of the protests on the economy and took full responsibility for the situation, although it remains unclear if he will lead the caretaker government.
Hasina and her sister departed from Bangabhaban at around 2:30 pm on Monday on a military helicopter to a “safer place.” Her flight, initially bound for Kolkata, was redirected to Delhi, where it landed around 5 pm.
In response to the unrest, India canceled all train services to and from Bangladesh and heightened security along the 4,096 km India-Bangladesh border. The BSF is on high alert, with Acting Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary and other officials assessing the situation in Kolkata.
The protests, which have resulted in nearly 300 casualties, began last month over reserved quotas in government jobs, led by the ‘Students Against Discrimination’ group. The Supreme Court had recently scrapped most quotas, which temporarily paused the protests. However, the demonstrators returned, demanding a public apology from Hasina, restoration of internet connections, reopening of educational institutions, and the release of those arrested.
The unrest grew, leading to calls for Hasina’s resignation. Despite her government initially blaming the Islamic party Jamaat-e-Islami and the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the violence, the situation escalated. Hasina labeled the protesters as terrorists, further inflaming tensions.
Experts attribute the unrest to stagnant job growth and high youth unemployment, with public sector jobs becoming increasingly attractive. Bangladesh’s economy, once rapidly growing, now faces challenges with high inflation and shrinking dollar reserves.
Reports indicate Hasina intended to address the nation before her departure but was unable to. The Army Chief’s statement emphasized the need to halt the violence and assured justice for those killed during the protests. The student-led demonstrations, originally against the job quota system favoring veterans’ families, have now become a broader movement against Hasina’s government.
In response to the crisis, Bangladesh’s internet services were shut down but have been partially restored. The protests and violence have significantly disrupted daily life, leading to a nationwide curfew and the suspension of railway services and garment factory operations.
Hasina’s departure marks the end of her 15-year tenure, characterized by economic growth but also accusations of political repression and human rights abuses. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, urged security forces to prevent an unelected government from seizing power, highlighting concerns about the country’s future stability.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with the UN human rights chief calling for an end to the violence. The interim government’s actions in the coming days will be crucial in determining Bangladesh’s path forward.
