Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigns and flees country amid Mass Protests

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has resigned and left the country, marking the conclusion of her lengthy tenure amid weeks of intensifying anti-government protests.

Her unexpected exit, following two decades in power, has ushered in a period of political and economic instability for the nation of 170 million, which plays a vital role in the global garment industry.

Protests initiated by students last month against a job quota system escalated into a widespread movement against Sheikh Hasina, particularly after a violent crackdown by police and government supporters resulted in approximately 300 fatalities.

In a televised statement on Monday, Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman confirmed Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and indicated that the military would engage in discussions with the president and political party representatives to establish an interim government.

“I give you my word that all killings, all injustice will be examined,” Zaman said. “Please keep up your trust in the army . . . We will restore peace in the country. Please co-operate.”

Zaman’s remarks came shortly after protesters began to gather at Sheikh Hasina’s official residence in central Dhaka, celebrating, relaxing on furniture, and removing personal belongings, evoking memories of the 2022 uprising in Sri Lanka that led to the ousting of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

But elation at the end of Sheikh Hasina’s rule was mixed with trepidation, with unrest continuing on the streets of Dhaka in the hours following her resignation.