As protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration persisted, reports of her resignation started to circulate on Monday morning (August 5).
At least six people were killed in a fresh outbreak of violence in Bangladesh on Monday as thousands of protesters started gathering for a "Long March to Dhaka".
The government in the morning ordered a complete internet shutdown as protestors asked the general public to join a "Long March to Dhaka".
Protesters in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Monday. The protesters had only one demand: Sheikh Hasina and her government must go
PTI pictureLast month, at least 150 people were killed and thousands injured in violence touched off by student groups protesting against reserved quotas in government jobs.
The students' group called for a nationwide non-cooperation movement starting Sunday (August 4) with a single-point agenda - Hasina must resign.
Defying a curfew, protesters in Dhaka on Monday rally to demand justice for the hundreds killed since the quota protests erupted
PTI pictureA private television news channel from Bangladesh, Jamuna TV reported that Hasina was forced to quit as prime minister after massive protests against her government over a controversial quota system, on Monday (August 5).
Activists take part in a protest march against Sheikh Hasina on Monday to demand justice for more than 200 people killed in last month's violent demonstrations, in Dhaka.
PTI pictureAfter the news of Hasina's resignation and fleeing spread, thousands took to the streets, celebrating Hasina's ouster. Footages show protesters looting her official residence, 'Ganabhaban,' and vandalising her party office.
Furthermore, in a symbolic act of iconoclasm, demonstrators smashed a statue of Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s father, with hammers. The destruction reflects the depth of public anger.
The brewing storm gets worse; the student protestors broke the statue of Mujibur Rahman on Monday.
X/ @AbuMujaddisLocal media reports said Hasina's party office at 3/A Dhanmondi in Dhaka was set on fire by the protesters. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan's house was also vandalised by demonstrators.
Protesters gathered at Comilla Town Hall on Monday
Arnab GangulyArmy Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman declared that an interim government is taking control, marking a remarkable turn of events after widespread anti-government rallies that have claimed over 100 lives in the past two days.
"I'm taking all responsibility (of the country). Please cooperate," he said in a televised address amid reports that Hasina has left the country.
Bangladeshi Army soldiers patrol on the street after the government imposed a new curfew on Monday, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
PTI pictureThe violent demonstrations and government crackdown signal a critical juncture for Bangladesh, as citizens and leaders alike await clarity and resolution in this tumultuous time.
Protesters in Dhaka city on Monday morning.
Arnab GangulyHowever, jubilant crowds took to the streets across the country to celebrate their victory after Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced Hasina's resignation. Her resignation ended her 15 years rule.
Protesters at Hasina's residence on Monday, lying on her bed, taking away her bedding.
TTO GraphicsThe protesters defied a military curfew and stormed her official residence.
Video footage showed protesters vandalising and looting Hasina's official residence in the capital. They were seen celebrating on the Ganabhaban premises waving their hands in the air. Many of them were seen leaving with belongings of the Ganabhaban.
Protesters inside the 'Ganabhaban' on Monday, with Sheikh Hasina's once owned belongings including her pet animals.
TTO GraphicsThe streets of Bangladesh are still alive with demonstrations, as protesters brandish posters declaring an independent Bangladesh in Mymensingh.
The scene at the Town Hall on Monday, Mymensingh
Arnab GangulyAs the political landscape stands on the brink of transformation, the future of the nation hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, Hasina, who resigned as Bangladesh Prime Minister is known to be on her way to London, sources familiar with the matter said.