Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Resigns, Moves To 'Safer Place' Amid Violent Protests

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly resigned and fled the country amidst widespread protests and escalating violence.

According to media reports, Hasina, who has held power since 2009, left Dhaka via helicopter with her sister and is believed to have landed in Agartala, Tripura, India.

Photo Credit: X

The resignation follows massive demonstrations in the capital, sparked initially by student protests against a controversial quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for the relatives of veterans from Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971.

The protests have since evolved into a larger anti-government movement demanding Hasina's resignation.

Bangladeshs dictator, Sheikh Hasina, has been flown to the @BD_Air_Force base in Kurmitola at 1425 hours local time. Sources claim that from there, Hasina will travel to a third country. If this information is correct, it would signify the end of Sheikh Hasinas reign of terror… pic.twitter.com/orGSyxVVaQ

— Sami (@ZulkarnainSaer) August 5, 2024

The situation in Bangladesh has been marked by severe unrest, with at least 98 people killed in clashes between police and protesters on Sunday.

Over the past month, approximately 300 people have died as authorities attempted to suppress the anti-government demonstrations.

Sheikh Hasina and her sister fleeing in an Army helicopter. The deed is done. Student-people uprising has overthrown the regime. All power to the working people through the struggle committees. Maintain general strike. No trust in Army/political parties. pic.twitter.com/fg54m7rNxA

— Jorge Martin ☭ (@marxistJorge) August 5, 2024

Some protesters reportedly breached Hasina's official residence in Dhaka, further intensifying the crisis.

In response to the unrest, the government had ordered a complete internet shutdown to curb the protests. However, broadband internet was reportedly restored briefly on Monday following a verbal order from a government agency.

The army chief is expected to address the nation shortly, as the country grapples with one of its worst periods of violence since gaining independence over five decades ago.