From Power To Exile: What Led to Sheikh Hasina's Exit From Bangladesh?

The resignation of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina comes on the heels of protestors storming into her official residence in Dhaka. She later fled the country in a military helicopter with her sister.

Bangladesh's army chief Waker-uz-Zaman confirmed that Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country. He announced that an interim government will be formed soon.

"PM Hasina has resigned, interim government to run the country. We will return peace to the country. We ask citizens to stop violence. We will investigate all killings that have happened over the past few weeks," he said.

Meanwhile, BSF Director General has reached Kolkata to oversee the heightened security measures along the border. The alert comes as a precautionary measure due to the escalating unrest in Bangladesh.

According to reports, Hasina departed from Bangabhaban around 2:30 pm on Monday on a military helicopter, accompanied by her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana.

The decision was made following weeks of protests against reservations for select groups in government jobs and educational institutions.

The protests began peacefully in June but turned violent, resulting in dozens of deaths. After a brief lull, violent clashes reignited last week, leading to over 100 deaths in just two days.

The government had earlier ordered a complete internet shutdown as protestors called for a "Long March to Dhaka." However, broadband internet services were verbally ordered to resume around 1:15 pm on Monday.

A source told AFP that Sheikh Hasina fled at her security team's suggestion.

"Her security team asked her to leave; she did not find any time to prepare," the source said. She initially left by motorcade before being evacuated by helicopter.

After Sheikh Hasina's departure, jubilant crowds waved flags and danced in front of cameras. Some even smashed a statue of Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is considered the country's independence hero.

Zaman stated there was no need for a curfew or emergency declaration in the country. He assured that the army would find a solution to the crisis by nightfall.

Before her ouster, Sheikh Hasina's US-based son Sajeeb Wazed Joy urged security forces via social media to protect the government.

"Your duty is to keep our people safe and our country safe and to uphold the constitution. It means don't allow any unelected government to come into power for one minute; it is your duty," he wrote.

The situation remains grim as Bangladesh navigates through this political upheaval with hopes for stability under an interim government.