Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh stepped down and fled the country on Monday following intense protests that turned violent over the past month. Protesters stormed her official residence in defiance of a military curfew, demanding her resignation.
The protests, led largely by students, resulted in nearly 100 fatalities due to confrontations with police. The bloodiest day of the unrest was Sunday, with 95 deaths, including those of 14 police officers.
The unrest was sparked by a newly reinstated quota system for public sector jobs, viewed by many as unfair. This system, initially removed in 2018 after protests, was reinstated by a court ruling in June. The policy threatened to restrict young people’s access to government jobs, considered highly desirable for their stability.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the army chief, announced in a national address that the military would form an interim government. He urged citizens to end the violence, saying, “We cannot achieve anything through fighting and violence. Let us stop all conflicts and destruction.”
Videos on social media showed demonstrators looting Hasina’s unguarded home in Dhaka. Internet services, which had been suspended amid the chaos, were restored later on Monday.
The crisis has put significant strain on Bangladesh’s relations with Western countries, including the United States. Hasina’s administration has been accused of rigging elections, arresting opposition leaders, and restricting press freedom. Her fourth consecutive term, won in January, was heavily criticized for alleged voting irregularities.
The ongoing violence has highlighted the deep frustrations within the country. Over 200 people have died, and thousands have been injured since the protests began. The military’s decision to take over and form an interim government represents a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape as the nation seeks a path to peace and justice.
