Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country. Her flight, now in Indian airspace, is expected to land in Delhi at 5 pm. The Army Chief confirmed her resignation and announced an interim government amidst the economic turmoil caused by violent protests.
Sheikh Hasina departed from Bangabhaban at 2:30 pm on Monday with her sister, Sheikh Rehana, on a military helicopter. As India cancels all train services to Bangladesh, the Border Security Force issues a high alert along the border due to the unrest.
The violent protests, initially sparked by student groups opposing government job quotas, have spiraled into a nationwide campaign demanding Hasina’s resignation. With nearly 300 casualties, the unrest has led to severe consequences for Bangladesh’s economy, which is already struggling with high unemployment and inflation. Critics blame Hasina’s government for the violence, while she accuses opposition parties of destabilizing the nation.
The protests that have rocked Bangladesh, initially sparked by the controversial quota system for government jobs, have escalated into a broader anti-government movement. The Supreme Court’s decision to abolish most quotas temporarily quelled the unrest, but demands for justice and accountability reignited the demonstrations. The students’ group, ‘Students Against Discrimination,’ has led these protests, calling for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and non-cooperation with the government. The deteriorating economic conditions, marked by high youth unemployment and stagnant growth, have fueled the discontent.
As the protests grew more violent, with the government using excessive force against demonstrators, the situation became increasingly volatile. The government’s attempts to blame opposition parties for the unrest failed to quell the anger on the streets. Hasina’s offer for talks was rejected, further isolating her administration.
With Hasina’s departure, Bangladesh faces a significant power vacuum. The interim government’s ability to stabilize the country and address the protesters’ demands remains uncertain. The international community watches closely as the nation navigates this period of turmoil, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The flagging economy, once one of the world’s fastest-growing due to the booming garments sector, is now suffering from inflation and shrinking dollar reserves. The job market remains stagnant, and youth unemployment is alarmingly high. The unrest is a reflection of these deep-seated economic and political issues that have been simmering for years.
The dramatic resignation and flight of Sheikh Hasina mark a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history, leaving the nation at a crossroads as it grapples with the fallout of prolonged unrest and the urgent need for systemic change.
