Friday, 20 September 2024
Friday, 20 September 2024
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".
Last 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.
A 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).
After 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.
Local 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.
Army 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.
The violent demonstrations and government crackdown signal a critical juncture for Bangladesh, as citizens and leaders alike await clarity and resolution in this tumultuous time.
However, 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.
The 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.
The streets of Bangladesh are still alive with demonstrations, as protesters brandish posters declaring an independent Bangladesh in Mymensingh.
As 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.
