Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ In a dramatic turn of events, Sheikh Hasina, the 76-year-old Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has resigned and fled the country amidst widespread protests and escalating violence. Her resignation marks a historic day in Bangladesh as the political landscape undergoes a significant transformation. Thousands of protesters stormed the palace of the Prime Minister, leading to Sheikh Hasina’s hasty departure by helicopter. As a result, the Bangladesh Army has announced the formation of an interim government.
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Sheikh Hasina’s resignation
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned after the Bangladesh Army issued a 45-minute ultimatum, citing her government’s inability to manage the escalating violence. Following her resignation, the Army intervened to establish an interim government. The resignation of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina follows a month of intense anti-government demonstrations that spiraled into deadly confrontations. On Monday, as protestors breached the gates of the Prime Minister’s official residence, Hasina, 76, was forced to escape by helicopter.
Reports indicate that Sheikh Hasina is headed to London. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country and reached India and is now en route to London, potentially seeking political asylum. Shortly after her departure, the Bangladesh Army announced an interim government and took control of the situation. Sheikh Hasina’s resignation concludes a tenure that spanned over two decades, with her leadership marked by both economic progress and significant controversy. The recent protests, initially sparked by grievances over a government job quota system, quickly evolved into a broader demand for her resignation. The violent clashes that ensued resulted in over 300 deaths, illustrating the severity of the unrest.
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Military intervention and interim government
In response to the chaotic situation, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, announced the formation of an interim government. General Waker-Uz-Zaman addressed the nation, stating, “I am taking full responsibility.” He emphasized the Army’s commitment to ending the violence and meeting the protesters’ demands. The interim government noted that it aims to stabilize the country and restore order, with a promise to address the issues raised by the demonstrators.
Furthermore, General Waker-Uz-Zaman’s career is distinguished by extensive service and experience. His tenure as Chief of Army Staff began in June, succeeding General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed. His background includes commanding various infantry units and contributing to peacekeeping missions. His education and advanced degrees in Defence Studies further underscore his qualifications to lead during this transitional period.
Sheikh Hasina’s departure to India
Sheikh Hasina’s emergency departure to India highlights the gravity of the political crisis in Bangladesh. She departed Dhaka with her sister, Sheikh Rehana, aboard a military aircraft. The Prime Minister’s residence was reportedly overrun by protesters shortly before her escape. In India, Hasina landed at the Hindon Air Force base near Delhi, where she was received by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Her next destination is expected to be London, where she may seek asylum. Additionally, India has granted Hasina an interim stay and is providing logistical support as she prepares for her move to the UK. The Indian government, while not officially commenting on Hasina’s resignation, has issued a high alert along its border with Bangladesh due to the ongoing instability.
Major causes for the protests
The protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation began over a controversial quota system for government jobs. The system reserved 30 percent of these positions for the descendants of the Muktijoddhas, or freedom fighters from the 1971 liberation war. Protesters argued that this system favored supporters of the ruling Awami League and demanded a merit-based alternative. The situation intensified when Hasina’s remarks about the protesters and the quota system sparked further outrage. Additionally, the violent response from the government, including the use of force against demonstrators, exacerbated the situation. The protesters’ anger was fueled by the government’s attempts to suppress dissent and the controversial statements made by Hasina, which were perceived as dismissive of their demands.
The protesters’ frustration was further fueled by a comment from Prime Minister Hasina. She questioned, “If not the grandchildren of the freedom fighters, who else should receive quota benefits? The grandchildren of the ‘Razakars’?” She added, “This is my question to the nation. If the protesters don’t comply, there’s nothing more I can do. They can continue their protest, but if they cause property damage or assault police officers, the law will take its course. We can’t help.” The reference to the Razakars struck a nerve. During the 1971 liberation war, Razakars were a paramilitary group allied with the Pakistan Army and were responsible for widespread atrocities, including mass killings, rapes, and torture.
Inside the massive anti-government protest
In Dhaka, shocking videos are emerging of protesters vandalizing a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the revered leader who fought for Bangladesh’s independence. This act symbolizes a significant shift in the country’s political climate, where Rahman’s legacy is now seen as emblematic of the current government’s repressive politics rather than a symbol of liberation. Protesters, defying a curfew, flooded the streets, stormed the Prime Minister’s residence, and tore down barricades despite heavy police and military presence.
The unrest has been deadly, with clashes resulting in at least 98 deaths yesterday, bringing the total death toll over 300 since the protests began last month. Protesters also targeted Hasina’s family home-turned-museum, set fire to ruling party offices and pro-government TV stations, and damaged the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre. The violent demonstrations reflect deep dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Hasina’s administration. The ensuing violence resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction, including the vandalism of historical sites and the ransacking of government buildings.
International reactions
The international community has reacted strongly to the unfolding crisis in Bangladesh. Accordingly, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a peaceful transition and an independent investigation into the violence. The US State Department has expressed support for the formation of an interim government, urging calm and restraint. The Biden Administration emphasizes that the transition should adhere to democratic principles and reflect the will of the Bangladeshi people. The British government has called for a United Nations-led inquiry into the turmoil and has expressed a desire for a peaceful and democratic future for Bangladesh. The European Union and Amnesty International have also advocated for a smooth and orderly transition to democratic rule, highlighting the need for addressing the root causes of the unrest.
Bangladeshi diaspora and regional reactions
In the UK, the Bangladeshi diaspora has expressed both relief and jubilation over Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. In Whitechapel, a neighborhood with a significant Bangladeshi community, celebrations erupted as residents waved flags and chanted in support of their homeland. Meanwhile, neighboring countries and international organizations have called for stability and a return to democratic norms. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister and Russia’s Foreign Ministry have both expressed hopes for a swift resolution and a return to political stability in Bangladesh. India’s high alert along the border underscores regional concerns about the potential spillover of instability.
Remarks by Sheikh Hasina’s son
Sajeeb Wajed Joy, Sheikh Hasina’s son and former Chief Advisor, officially stated that his mother has stepped down as Prime Minister and fled Bangladesh due to intense public backlash against her government, despite her efforts to improve the country. He mentioned that while she wanted to stay, he and others persuaded her to leave for her safety. Joy praised Hasina for transforming Bangladesh from a failing state into one of Asia’s rising tigers. He also hinted that Hasina may not return to politics.
Bangladesh President’s actions
On Monday, following Sheikh Hasina’s ousting and the military’s takeover, Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin ordered the immediate release of Khaleda Zia, the jailed former prime minister and opposition leader. The decision was made during a meeting attended by top military officials and opposition leaders. Zia, who is 78 and in poor health, had been serving a 17-year prison sentence for corruption. Furthermore, the ongoing crisis underscores a shortage of quality jobs for college graduates, who increasingly compete for stable and lucrative government positions. With around 400,000 graduates vying for just 3,000 civil service jobs annually, this has led to widespread unrest, school closures, and a shoot-on-sight curfew. Tensions are also heightened among Hindus, who fear targeting due to their perceived support for Sheikh Hasina’s party.
Conclusion
The resignation of Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent military takeover represent a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history. The transition to an interim government amid widespread protests and violence highlights the deep-seated issues within the country’s political and administrative systems. As Bangladesh navigates this period of upheaval, the international community’s focus remains on ensuring a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis. Bangladesh, which has a history of coups, saw a military-backed caretaker government installed during a similar crisis in January 2007. The unrest, driven by demands for job reforms and broader political change, underscores the challenges faced by Bangladesh in balancing economic development with political stability. Accordingly, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future direction of the country and the effectiveness of the interim government in addressing the concerns of its citizens.
