Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled the country

In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled the country following a military coup and mass protests. The Army has taken control, and Hasina, along with her sister, initially sought refuge in India before reportedly applying for asylum in the United Kingdom.

The chaos began early on a Monday morning when protesters started to gather on the streets, planning a long march to Dhaka. Over the weekend, violent clashes between supporters of Hasina’s Awami League and the protesters had resulted in around 100 fatalities, prompting the Army to impose a curfew and deploy security forces across the capital.

Despite these measures, demonstrators remained undeterred. By 11:30 AM local time, police attempts to disperse the crowds with tear gas and sound grenades proved ineffective. In a bid to control the situation, the government ordered an internet shutdown, cutting off social media and mobile internet access.

Protests Intensify

The protesters, largely led by students initially demonstrating against job quotas, were soon joined by people from all walks of life, turning the movement into a mass uprising. Clashes continued throughout the day, with six more protesters reportedly killed as they marched towards Dhaka.

Hasina’s Dramatic Escape

By early afternoon, unconfirmed reports surfaced suggesting that Sheikh Hasina had left Dhaka. These rumors were soon confirmed as images emerged of her boarding a helicopter. By 3 PM, it was clear that she had been ousted, with the Army Chief, General Waker Rahman, making a rare television appearance to confirm her exit and announce the formation of an interim government comprising retired generals and former judges.

Following the announcement, protesters stormed the Prime Minister’s official residence, vandalizing property, including a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s father and the founding father of Bangladesh. Scenes reminiscent of the 2022 uprising in Sri Lanka unfolded as protesters were seen taking selfies, removing furniture, and helping themselves to food within the residence.

Sheikh Hasina’s exact plans remain unclear. After arriving in the northeastern Indian state of Tripura, she moved to an airport near New Delhi, where she was met by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. As of now, she is expected to stay in India temporarily while her asylum application in the UK is processed.

Sheikh Hasina’s sudden downfall marks a significant shift in Bangladeshi politics. Only weeks ago, she appeared firmly in control, engaged in high-level diplomatic negotiations with both New Delhi and Beijing. However, the protests that began with a single issue quickly escalated into a nationwide call for her resignation, culminating in a military coup and her forced exile.

The newly announced interim government faces the daunting task of stabilizing a nation in turmoil. The Army Chief has promised to meet the protesters’ demands and ensure the protection of lives and property, but the road ahead is uncertain. Bangladesh now stands at a crossroads, with its political future hanging in the balance.

As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches closely, awaiting further developments in this unfolding political drama.