Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly resigned and fled the country as protesters stormed her palace amidst a month-long wave of anti-government demonstrations. The protests, which began in late July, have claimed the lives of at least 300 people, according to an AFP tally based on reports from police, government officials, and medical professionals.
The unrest was sparked by student groups demanding the abolition of a controversial quota system in government jobs. This movement quickly escalated into a broader campaign seeking Hasina’s ouster. Hasina, who secured her fourth consecutive term in a January election boycotted by the opposition, faced increasing pressure as violence and demonstrations spread nationwide.
On Monday morning, students called for a march to Dhaka, defying a nationwide curfew imposed after deadly clashes killed at least 91 people the previous day. A source close to Hasina confirmed she had left her palace for a “safer place,” with multiple media outlets, including the BBC and Reuters, reporting that she had fled to India. Jubilant crowds, waving flags and celebrating, including some dancing on top of a tank, marked her departure.
Hasina’s son urged security forces to prevent any takeover of her rule, while a senior advisor to the Prime Minister indicated that her resignation was a “possibility.” “She wanted to record a speech, but she could not get an opportunity to do that,” the source added.
In a significant development, Bangladesh’s army chief General Wakeruz Zaman is expected to address the nation. A military spokesman confirmed that Zaman had told officers the military “always stood by the people.”
The protests have led to a nationwide curfew, the shutdown of more than 3,500 garment factories, and severely restricted internet access. Soldiers and police, using armored vehicles and barbed wire, attempted to barricade routes to Hasina’s office, but were overwhelmed by massive crowds.
The Business Standard newspaper estimated that around 400,000 protesters had taken to the streets, though this figure remains unverified. “The time has come for the final protest,” declared Asif Mahmud, a key leader in the civil disobedience campaign.
On Sunday, clashes between police and protesters resulted in the deaths of at least 91 people, including 13 policemen, marking the highest single-day death toll in recent Bangladeshi protests. In response, the government imposed an indefinite curfew starting at 6 PM on Sunday and announced a three-day general holiday beginning Monday.
Violence and unrest have affected 39 of the country’s 64 districts, with attacks on government buildings, police stations, and properties associated with the ruling Awami League party. Bangladesh Railway has suspended all services, and garment factories have closed indefinitely for worker safety.
The role of the military has become increasingly significant, with retired military officers urging Hasina to withdraw troops and seek political solutions. General Zaman reiterated the army’s commitment to the people’s interests, though his scheduled media briefing was cancelled without explanation.
Human rights groups and critics accuse Hasina’s government of using excessive force against protesters, allegations the government denies. High-speed internet services remain suspended, and social media platforms are inaccessible.
The protests initially began over the quota system in government jobs but have since transformed into a broader struggle for justice and political change. Tarique Rahman, the exiled acting chairman of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, characterised the protests as a “bloody struggle between autocracy and democracy.”
“The nation implores the international community to stand for truth and justice,” Rahman posted on social media platform X.