National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has resigned and fled the country amid escalating anti-government protests that have led to hundreds of deaths.
Reports indicate that Hasina and her sister were evacuated by army helicopter to an undisclosed location, potentially India.
Despite a curfew and an internet clampdown, large crowds of protesters stormed her official residence in Dhaka.
On Sunday, clashes between police and protesters resulted in at least 90 deaths, raising the death toll from the recent unrest to over 300.
The protests began in July with student demonstrations against civil service job quotas but quickly escalated into demands for Hasina’s resignation after more than two decades in power.
In a televised address, Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman announced the formation of an interim government.
He is currently consulting with President Mohammed Shahabuddin and opposition political parties to find a resolution by the end of the day.
Waker-uz-Zaman pledged justice for the victims of the recent violence.
Footage has emerged of protesters looting Hasina’s official residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka.
Protesters were seen carrying items such as chairs and sofas from the premises. The situation remains tense, with thousands of people from various parts of Dhaka, including Uttara and Mirpur, converging on the city centre.
Army personnel have not obstructed the protesters, and there has been little police presence since noon local time.
Reports also indicate deadly clashes between police and protesters in Dhaka’s Jatrabari neighborhood, with varying death tolls.
Political analyst Mubashar Hasan described the significant turnout of protesters as a potential “people’s uprising,” adding immense pressure on Prime Minister Hasina.
The protests have attracted a broad spectrum of society, including students and rickshaw pullers.
Although internet access, previously shut down, has been restored, social media platforms remain suspended.
