Sheikh Hasina's Last-Minute Escape From Bangladesh: What Happened At Ganabhaban? The Inside Story

Sheikh Hasina, the 76-year-old Prime Minister of Bangladesh faced a dramatic exit from power as hundreds of protesters marched towards her residence. According to a report, security chiefs gave her a 45-minute ultimatum to leave Ganabhaban palace, her official residence. Despite her initial resistance, she eventually agreed to step down.

During the tense moments at Ganabhaban, top security officers and police officials held multiple meetings with Sheikh Hasina. They urged her to transfer power to the Army as the situation was becoming uncontrollable. However, she questioned their inability to manage the protests and demanded tougher actions against demonstrators.

US-Based Son Convinced Hasina To Resign

In a separate room, security officers spoke with Sheikh Hasina's sister Rehana, asking her to persuade the Prime Minister to resign. Despite Rehana's efforts, Hasina remained determined to stay in power. However, a phone call from her US-based son Sajeeb Wazed Joy changed her mind and she agreed to step down.

The urgency of the situation was highlighted by visuals of protesters climbing atop police vehicles. The police chief informed Hasina that they could not contain the situation for long. "Sheikh Hasina was unwilling to accept that," reported Prothom Alo newspaper.

Nobel Laureate Mohammad Yunus Appointed Interim Head

President Mohammed Shahabuddin appointed Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus as the head of Bangladesh's interim government. This decision came after a meeting with coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and heads of three armed forces. Yunus welcomed this change, calling it the "second liberation" of Bangladesh.

Yunus is renowned for his anti-poverty efforts through Grameen Bank, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. He is currently out of the country but expressed support for the new developments in Bangladesh.

As protesters advanced from Shahbagh towards Ganabhaban, it was estimated they would reach within 45 minutes. Given this short timeframe, Sheikh Hasina was not allowed to record a speech addressed to the nation but was instead prepared for immediate departure.

Accompanied by her sister Rehana, Sheikh Hasina left Ganabhaban and made a brief stop at Bangabhaban, where she completed her resignation formalities. At 2:30 pm, they departed for India by military helicopter, marking an end to her uninterrupted 15-year term in office.

This major political shift comes 50 years after Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman, Sheikh Hasina's father and Bangladesh's founding leader, led the country's independence struggle.

The remaining members of Bangladesh's interim government will be decided after consultations with various political parties.